Georgia Football: 5 players who can replace Roquan Smith

As Roquan Smith moves onto the NFL, the Georgia Football coaches need to find the next great inside linebacker to play in Athens in 2018. Here are 5 players who could fill that role.

We’re going to miss Roquan Smith. No matter who steps up in 2018, it’s highly unlikely that they are going to be able to fully replace one of the best players in the nation this year. That being said, as Roquan heads to the NFL draft, the Georgia Football team has little choice but to start looking forward.

As good as Roquan was for us, change is a constant in college football. Players who achieve the heights that he did inevitably move on, that’s one of the few certainties in an uncertain sport. While we can’t expect any one player to replace Smith, we do need to think about those who could take his spot next year.

Inside linebacker is going to be an incredibly important position on this defense. Right now, we don’t know what is going to happen to Natrez Patrick, the other starting LB this year. Patrick had multiple Marijuana infractions this season and was sent to get treatment during the playoffs. His absence was certainly felt during those games because when he’s on the field, he’s a very good player.

But we don’t know if he’ll even be in Athens next season. My gauge suggests that the staff wants him to be. They think he has a genuine problem just like Jonathan Ledbetter did a few years ago and they are trying to help.

With so much uncertainty at an important position, let’s look at some of the players who could step in next season. No matter what, UGA is going to need at least a few of these players to step up in 2018.