WATCH: Georgia players react to Nolan Smith's impressive showing at NFL Combine
Nolan Smith is quickly stealing headlines Thursday at the NFL Combine. The Georgia edge rusher decided to participate in just three events and crushed every single one of them. None was better than the 40-yard dash, where Smith clocked a phenomenal 4.44.
Nobody was excited about the time more than Smith’s former Georgia teammates. Those not making the jump to the NFL and looking to three-peat gathered in Athens to watch Smith run the 40-yard dash. Everybody knew from the break an impressive time was about to be recorded.
Marvin Jones Jr. caught the room’s reaction during an Instagram Live. When the 4.44 number was shown on NFL Network, everyone went crazy in celebration. Teammates supporting teammates — that’s something you love to see.
You can watch the full moment here.
An injury this season had Smith in the later parts of the first round of most mock drafts. However, those days are over after his performance in Indianapolis. We can put to bed any kind of questions over a former Georgia captain that excels at rushing the passer.
Georgia teammates elated while Nolan Smith leaves disappointed
Jones and the Georgia defensive room may have gone crazy but Smith himself was not too impressed. He was looking to record an even better number, telling NFL Network the 4.44 40 was a disappointment. Smith wanted to get into the 4.3 range and believes he could have at full speed.
“I wasn’t even running full speed,” Smith said. “I’ve been training in the 4.3s for the 40. That wasn’t up to my standards.”
Smith will have another opportunity to run the 40-yard dash in front of NFL scouts. Georgia will host its Pro Day on March 15, with Kirby Smart having a litter of players looking to get drafted.
If Smith truly is able to lower his time, there might be an even bigger celebration in Athens.