- ABC News
- January 17, 2022
Georgia's top-ranked defense won't look the same next season, but it will feature the return of gifted pass-rusher Nolan Smith, who announced Monday that he plans to come back for his senior season. The former No. 2-ranked player in the Class of 2019, Smith had 55 tackles, 3.5 sacks and an interception this past season. Smith's sack of quarterback Bryce Young was the final play of Georgia's win over Alabama in the College Football Playoff National Championship earlier this month. Fresh off the program's first national title in 41 years, the Bulldogs have lost several key players from their defense, which ranked first in points per game (10.2), as cornerback Derion Kendrick, safety Lewis Cine, linebacker Nakobe Dean and defensive lineman Travon Walker have declared for the NFL draft. Georgia defensive back Latavious Brini, who started 11 games for the Bulldogs this season, entered the transfer portal on Monday as a graduate....