Chris Smith puts time at Georgia behind him, moves on to NFL
Georgia safety Chris Smith is among a select group of Bulldogs already, being named a unanimous All-American for the 2022 season. The Atlanta, Ga. native and Hapeville Charter product was using his last year of eligibility after deciding to return to Athens for one more go around this time last year. Now that the season’s over with, Smith is turning his attention towards the NFL.
“Dawg Nation, First and foremost, I want to thank God for blessing me with the ability to play the game of football. The University of Georgia is a special place and it has been an incredible honor to represent such a great institution. I will forever cherish my time at Georgia.”
“Mom and Dad, I appreciate you taking this journey with me. Without you none of this would have been possible and I am forever indebted to you for the sacrifices you made for me. To all my coaches and trainers throughout my life, thanks for believing in me. The leadership and guidance you all have given me has helped me develop into a better person and football player and I’m forever grateful. To my brothers, our bond is priceless and I will cherish the lifelong relationships we have built on and off the field. LOVE 4L. To the Georgia fans, you are the best in college football. There’s nothing like playing between the hedges on Saturday hearing you chant ‘GEORGIA… BULLDOGS’. Thank you for supporting me and my teammates. I am excited to embark on the next chapter of my life. I am officially declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft. Go Dawgs!”
Smith has already accepted an invite to the Reese’s Senior Bowl Game to be played on February 4th in Mobile, Ala. Fellow Georgia teammates Kenny McIntosh and Jack Podlesny will also be there.
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As a senior, Chris Smith totaled 61 total tackles including five tackles for loss in 15 games. He had a team-high three interceptions, eight pass deflections and one each of forced fumbles and fumble recoveries. The forced fumble came in Georgia’s 65-7 National Championship Game victory over TCU on Monday night.
Smith seemed to have a flare for the big moment, coming up with interceptions last season in the opener against Clemson which he returned for a touchdown, the game’s only touchdown. He also had an interception in the National Championship Game win over Alabama in 2022, picked off Bo Nix in this season’s opener against Oregon and a memorable return on a field goal block for a touchdown in the SEC Championship Game against LSU. Smith was named a permanent team captain for Georgia this season along with Stetson Bennett, Nolan Smith and Sedrick Van Pran. The four will be honored with an opportunity to speak on Saturday during the championship celebration at Sanford Stadium.
