Can Nolan Smith pass two established guys?
Smith and Johnson are not guys who were recruited to be stars down the line. Coaches pursued both ends heavily to fill prominent roles this season. Of course they have to earn the jobs, but the potential is there.
Smith is listed in recruiting databases as a weakside defensive end, which typically translates to jack linebacker in Georgia’s 3-4 personnel. He plays better standing up anyways, more reason to move him to linebacker. He’s one of the more athletic edge rushers you’ll see. Just a hard guy for offensive linemen to even touch on a play, let alone block. At 6-3, 232 pounds, he doesn’t have much size to gain either.
Don’t let his big smile and big glasses in his recruiting profile picture fool you. He might be a nice guy off the field. He will probably be a popular player on picture day. But on the field, he’s mean, ferocious and will hurt people. That athleticism off the edge gives him a lot of momentum when he gets to the quarterback. If he’s not blocked properly on a play, go ahead and record the sack.
But can he start in 2019? He’s competing with two established guys, who were excellent recruits in their own right. Ahead of him is Robert Beal, one of the best weakside ends in the 2017 class; And Brenton Cox, the no. 2 strongside defensive end of last year’s class. Both moved to jack linebacker in the Bulldawg 3-4 and had lots of meaningful playing time behind senior D’Andre Walker last year. They’ve got the SEC experience Smith doesn’t yet have.
Though one thing that may work in Smith’s favor is the revamping Georgia needs at defensive end. Even though he does play better standing, he can still play well out of a three-point stance and could make the move Georgia’s version of a defensive end with some coaching. He’s obviously a next-level talent as an edge rusher. Surely he won’t need that much time to adjust.
Or, Brenton Cox could move to defensive end. He was listed as a strongside defensive end. And with his size and strength, defensive end might be more natural for him. Him moving to DE opens up his spot at jack for Smith to compete head-to-head with Beal.