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Georgia veterans explain how return to UGA helped development ahead of NFL career

Palmber-Thombsby:Palmer Thombs•03/02/23•

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Georgia (2)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 02: Christopher Smith II #DB60 of Georgia speaks with the media during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 02, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

INDIANAPOLIS — Chris Smith and Robert Beal both were big parts of Georgia’s dominant defense in 2021. They could have been a part of the record breaking draft class of 2022. Instead, the veteran duo decided to return to Georgia for their final season of eligibility. Winning another National Championship and growing as players, both feel like it paid off.

“It did a lot for me,” Smith said. “It helped me build my leadership skills first and foremost. I had the opportunity to become better as a man, better as a player. I had the opportunity to do some special things at UGA. I was able to become an All-American which was one of my life long dreams, go back to back National Championships, win an SEC Championship for the first time. That had eluded me before. I was able to accomplish a lot of things and become better in a lot of facets in my life.”

“I wanted to better myself, mature a little bit,” Beal added. “I feel like I boosted it a little bit. I took on a bigger role so my stats were down. I feel like I showed I could do a lot more than just rush the passer. Working on my versatility other than pass rush covering tight ends, wide receivers, running backs down the field. It added more to my game.”

Smith and Beal were once again a part of a great group on the defensive side of the ball for Georgia in 2022. After giving up just 10.2 points per game in 2021, the fewest by any group in a decade, the Bulldogs finished fifth in the country for scoring and top 10 for yards per game allowed. They were one of just five Power Five defenses to finish top 10 in both categories and the only outside of the Big Ten.

Individually, the year was also a success for Smith and Beal. Smith had a career-high tackles while Beal played more snaps than any other outside linebacker. Now they are looking for more individual success in Indianapolis at the NFL Combine. While they play on different levels of the defense, both believe that they can show off speed and versatility to NFL teams.

“First and foremost, speed. I want to show teams I can put out a good 40,” Smith said. “Do great work in the drill work. Show my versatility, how I can do it all on the field.”

“My speed, I feel like I’ll have a good 40 time, good position drills, all that stuff,” Beal said before saying he’s run in the 4.5 range during his Combine preparation. “I feel like I’ll boost my draft stock tremendously doing that stuff.”

Georgia has 12 players at the Combine, second most of any college program in the country. Defensive linemen and linebackers (Beal, Nolan Smith, Jalen Carter) take the field on Thursday (3:00 p.m.) before defensive backs and kickers (Smith, Kelee Ringo, Jack Podlesny) do so on Friday at the same time. Then, offensive players (Stetson Bennett, Kenny McIntosh, Kearis Jackson, Darnell Washington, Broderick Jones, Warren McClendon) own the weekend (QB, WR, TE: Saturday 1:00 p.m. / RB, OL: Sunday 1:00 p.m.). All on-field workouts can be seen on NFL Network.

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