Georgia football had a message to send at SEC Media Days, and defensive leader Nolan Smith helped head coach Kirby Smart deliver it.
It would seem only human nature, if a little unfair, that questions posed to the Georgia football representatives at SEC Media Days centered around their desire to defend their national crowns.
True, the defending champions are there to be shot down, but it seems to be a little disingenuous that they are getting little credit for the roster Smart and his staff has built post-national championship NFL player departures.
Nonetheless, the words hunters and hunted rang around the College Football Hall of Fame as the media challenged Smart and his players to why they should be considered favorites to retain their crown.
Georgia football linebacker Nolan Smith and the rest of the defense are hungrier than ever.
Take Smith, for example, as he is an impressive individual to speak about the program. He is the type of person that draws attention when he talks. Not only physically, but his ability to articulate his thoughts make him stand out in a crowd, making him such an influence in the locker room.
Smith is a leader that the coaching staff trusts to lead by example and hold his teammates accountable. He needed to stick around for his fourth year, keeping that rigid leadership on the defense.
Smart described Smith during his time on the SEC Media Days stage as an incredible personality and a player that pushes the team.
"“He demands a lot of respect in our program because of the way he works,” Smart said during his SEC Media Days press conference."
When it was Smith’s turn to talk, he had a presence. As a national champion, he also had a large audience. Smith was direct and straight to the point when asked what the Bulldogs must do to stay hungry for another championship season. It goes with the territory now.
"“Humility. That is one of the big things that we took last year to move a step forward. Connect with your brother and be humble,” Smith said during his SEC Media Days interview. “Don’t have an ego…the past is your ego. We can’t control last year. We can’t do anything on last year. We can only look forward. Be where our feet are at, and that’s now.”"
Those words from Smith should encourage all Georgia fans and strike fear into the hearts of all other college football fans. It can be downright intimidating when players like Smith understand the game and their situation.
Yep. Even Alabama fans want Nolan Smith’s autograph. The man that put their Heisman Trophy winner to sleep.#GoDawgs #SECMD22 pic.twitter.com/MVLUiITym6
— Logan Booker (@LoganMBooker) July 20, 2022
Not to mention, it shows what kind of program Smart is building and how he is teaching guys like Smith the importance of humility. When players understand their egos cannot get in the way of production, they will succeed more.
Smith knows how important this 2022 season is for this program, so look to see him take control of the defense and lead them. He is already hungry, but with him determined, watch out because he will motivate that whole unit to rise to any occasion.
Georgia football has no intention of relinquishing this title. They are building a dynasty — this is no one-hit wonder. Nolan Smith told you so.