Georgia Bulldogs Countdown to Kickoff: Day 29
We’re less than a calendar month away from Georgia kickoff as of today, with just 29 days until the Ducks cross the country to meet the Bulldogs in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
We’ve all heard about the departures on the defensive side of the ball moving into this year (that sort of thing happens when most of the defense is drafted, especially in the first round), but all that means is that the holdovers are even more important that could be imagined.
So, that’s why we’re turning our attention to No. 29 on the roster, safety Christopher Smith.
In his fifth year with the Georgia program, Smith has gone from usable depth piece to penciled-in starter and expected leader of the defensive backfield.
Head coach Kirby Smart, a former safety who knows a thing or two about defensive backs and sending them to the draft, acknowledged as much on the first day of fall practice just yesterday.
“Chris has done a great job leading that group. I think he sets the tone each day for the work ethic. He’s been a hard worker since he’s been here. Tough guy. He plays bigger than he actually is. So we’re very lucky and fortunate to have Chris back to help lead that secondary unit,” Smart said of Smith.
His confidence is certainly not misplaced, especially given that Smith has a wealth of experience under his belt in his career.
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41 total games played will do that.
Starting off the 2021 season with an interception return for a touchdown will also do that.
Smith’s posted 72 tackles, three picks (all in 2021, including that return against Clemson), and eight pass deflections over his time in Athens, as well.
And with Lewis Cine headed to the NFL, it’s fair to expect the backend of the defense will be relying on Smith even more heavily in 2022.
Not bad for the No. 381 overall prospect in the 2018 class, the No. 31 safety, and the 37th best player in the Peach State for 2018 per the Consensus.
Like his running mate at Hapeville Charter William Poole (who we profiled just a couple of days ago), Smith has impacted the Bulldogs in a way many probably never expected.
But it’s safe to say he’s one of the names circled on the list moving into this year.
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