Georgia football: A complete leader looks like Nolan Smith

Nolan Smith returned for his senior year to continue his leadership of this Georgia football team. With so many players leaving Athens for the NFL, it was only natural that Georgia fans should be nervous about how well-placed the national champions were to defend their title. But with Smith returning, Bulldog fans didn’t have to worry.

Georgia shut out SEC East foe Vanderbilt this weekend, and the Bulldogs’ defense reminded everyone about its elite status. Vanderbilt has been on something of a mini-revival this season under second-year head coach Clark Lea as the Commodores weren’t viewed as pushovers.

However, Georgia dominated from the start, and some of the criticisms of the defense from the Kent State and Missouri games were nowhere to be seen. Smith recorded his third sack of the season against Vandy and has 12 solo tackles on the season already. It’s not just his on-field play that is catching the eye. Smith’s off-field persona, the way he represents himself and Georgia off the field, sets this man apart from his peers.

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart was at pains to make this point last week ahead of the Vanderbilt game. Speaking on the SEC Coaches midweek teleconference, Smart talked passionately about his leader, saying,

"“He’s not just a football player,” Smart said. “This guys one of our most dynamic leaders in terms of his confidence.”"

This has become a recurring theme about Smith during his time in Athens. It’s not just his performance but his leadership. These are the so-called “intangibles” that NFL scouts are searching for, high and low. The attributes that separate a good player from a great one. Smith is already predicted as a Day 1 NFL Draft pick, and these words from his head coach will only serve to cement this position. Smith is not short of confidence but doesn’t confuse that for arrogance.

"“He doesn’t really care what other people think about him — which is a unique trait in todays day and age where everyone worries about it — he really doesn’t care,” Smart said in the SEC coaches teleconference. “He cares more about the actions and the leadership and how people represent Georgia”."

Praise indeed from Smart. One thing that jumps out about Smart during press conferences is that his answers are short and concise. Smart is economical and efficient with his words. There is never hyperbole from him. So when the head coach spends several minutes talking about his defensive team leader, it tells us a lot about what he thinks of Smith painting a picture of Smith’s attributes and what he brings to the locker room.

Smart continued in his praise for Smith, suggesting that the outside linebacker will continue to represent Georgia for many years to come. That standard is what sets Georgia and so many other SEC schools apart. These guys carry that legacy with them and hold it with honor. Georgia players know the impact of playing for a program like this one, and Smith is no exception. He holds it with great honor, it seems.

"“I think when you start talking about guys that can be impactful for the rest of their life and represent Georgia the right way, he does a tremendous job of doing that,” Smart said. “He pushes everyone to care as much as he does and that’s more than just an ability to sack a quarterback or stop the run. He can do these things but he can certainly do a lot off the field as well”."

Smith is a special breed, and Georgia is fortunate that he returned for his señor year to continue to represent the Bulldogs. That return in itself speaks volumes for the love affair that Smith has with Georgia and Athens. Georgia fans reciprocate the love.

While Smith will continue to visit Georgia for years to come, just like Rodrigo Blankenship did this past weekend against Vanderbilt, Georgia fans should relish the time Smith has left on the field. Players of Smith’s caliber and personality do not come along often.

Georgia football is a program blessed with athletes like Smith — those who give back to the program, love their school and appreciate what happened during those college years. Those things make Georgia a good program for players on and off the field. Smith is a walking example of that as he continues to mold his legacy in his final football season.