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Lewis Cine declares for NFL Draft, foregoes final years of eligbility

Palmber-Thombsby:Palmer Thombs•01/14/22•

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Lewis Cine (1)
Tony Walsh/UGA Sports Communications

Make that two decisions for Georgia safeties today as junior Lewis Cine is headed to the NFL. Cine, who has started the last 27 games for the Bulldogs, capped off his career by being named Defensive MVP in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game as Georgia defeated Alabama 33-18.

“I am so thankful for the love I have received from Dawg Nation. I feel beyond blessed to have had the greatest fans and alumni supporting me during these last three years,” Cine wrote. “I will forever cherish the friendship and brotherhood I built with teammates, through the highs and the lows… We accomplished something special, and it will never be taken from us. Out bloodline is UGA and we are Dawgs forever.”

“To my coaches and teachers, thank you for always pushing me to do the best, for sharing your knowledge and for preparing me for what is ahead. When things got tough, you kept my head up and my eyes and mind focused. Thank you,” he continued. “To my family and friends, thank you for the unwavering support. Without each and every one of you, I would not be where I am today. This journey has been one for the history books! After careful consideration, I am excited to share that I have decided to forego my senior year at UGA and officially declare for the NFL Draft. Mission complete. Agent 16 signing out!”

Cine finished the season as Georgia’s leading tackler with 73 stops, one ahead of Butkus Award winning linebacker Nakobe Dean. He started all 15 games for the Bulldogs and was named first-team All-SEC and third-team All-American by the Associated Press. The SEC coaches had him on the second-team for the conference awards.

Cine also started all 10 games on the backend for the Bulldogs last season and finished second on the team in tackles, just behind Dean that time. Against South Carolina he posted a career-high 12 tackles.

One of the leaders of the defense, both vocally and by example, Cine spoke highly about the team and those that surrounded him. Monday’s National Championship win cemented that.

“I started the year with this statement: I could feel it. I believed it,” Cine said. “Monday’s National Championship win was the difference. Now I see it. All glory to God!”

Now with Smith and Cine’s decisions made, on top of the transfer portal announcements from defensive backs Ameer Speed, Jalen Kimber and Latavious Brini, things are starting to get clearer as far as the picture goes for the 2022 secondary.

Kelee Ringo will return as a starter at one of the cornerback spots with the likes of Tykee Smith, Javon Bullard, Kamari Lassiter, Nyland Green, Lovasea Carroll and David Daniel expected to be asked to step up their play during the coming offseason. If they don’t, secondary coach Jahmile Addae could be turning to 2022 signees Malaki Starks, Jaheim Singletary, Daylen Everette, Julian Humphrey and Ja’Corey Thomas for help on the back end of a defense that is expected to lose a lot up front. Meanwhile, veterans contributors like Dan Jackson and William Poole must choose whether Georgia is the best option for them.

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