UGA's Roquan Smith Headed To The NFL

ATHENS, GA — University of Georgia fans hoping for a repeat of last year, when four rising seniors who could have gone pro announced they were coming back for another year, got some bad news on Monday.

Roquan Smith, UGA's Butkus Award-winning linebacker considered by some to be the best defensive player in college football this year, announced he will forego his senior season, declaring himself eligible for the NFL Draft.

Georgia fans had been anxiously awaiting Smith's decision in the wake of a stellar 13-2 season in which the Bulldogs won the SEC Championship, defeated Oklahoma in the Rose Bowl and lost to Alabama, 26-23, in overtime in the National Championship Game. Monday was the last day for college players to declare themselves eligible for the draft.

"As you know this is somewhat of a crossroads for me. I've had discussions with coaches and family and a lot of thought and prayer," Smith said in a statement released by the university. "The decision to leave is not easy but I know it is the right one. Georgia will always be my school and my home and I sincerely wish all the best to the coaches, staff, and players as they continue to reach higher goals in the years to come."

In three seasons in Athens, Smith was a force to be reckoned with for the Bulldogs. With tremendous sideline-to-sideline speed, he tallied 137 tackles and 6.5 sacks in 2017. He won the Butkus Award, given to the nation's top linebacker, and was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year.

Related Stories:

• UGA Early Signing Day: Top Running Back Signs With Georgia
  
• Jacob Eason Leaving UGA Football
• Georgia Fan Crushes Door During Championship Loss: WATCH
• Bulldogs 'Not Going Anywhere' After Championship Loss

In the Rose Bowl and National Championship Game, he racked up another 24 tackles. Analysts say Smith will almost certainly be a first-round pick when the draft is held in April, possibly going in the top 10.

In his statement, Smith thanked teachers, coaches, teammates and others who have helped him get this far. And he had some positive words for where UGA's football program is headed under second-year head coach Kirby Smart.

"What we accomplished this year is only the beginning of what's to come for this program," said Smith, a native of Macon County. "I'm proud to be a part of the foundation that Coach Smart is building on and his leadership and direction are going to bring many more great times and memories to the Bulldog Nation."

For his part, Smart had nothing but praise for his defensive standout.

"Words cannot describe how much Roquan has meant to our program," Smart said in a written statement. "The accolades he has received are a testimony to his ability as a player. But he has also demonstrated on and off the field the qualities of a great leader who has commanded the respect of all his teammates as well as our coaching and support staffs.

"As the head coach, it's been a privilege to see him develop as a student-athlete and inspirational leader who has made immeasurable contributions to our team and to the program we are building. While we will miss him, we wish him all the best and know that great success awaits him at the next level."

Photo via GeorgiaDogs.com