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Nolan Smith

Nolan Smith (LB) / Georgia / Senior

6’3” / 235 lbs (Unofficial)

2021 Stats: 12 games, 53 tackles, 29 solo, 24 assisted, 8 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 4 QB hits, 1 INT, 1 pass defended, 27 run stops, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 18 QB hurries,

2022 Stats: 8 games, 18 tackles, 14 solo, 4 assisted, 7 tackle for loss, 3 sacks, 5 QB hits, 1 pass defended, 15 Run Stops

{reference: https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/nolan-smith-1.html}

Awards:

  • 2019 High School Player of the Year
  • Winner of multiple SEC Defensive Player of the Week Awards

Measurables: (AVAILABLE POST COMBINE/PRO DAY)

Games Watched: 2021 vs. Clemson, 2022 vs. South Carolina

PRO’S 

Nolan Smith possesses a super high motor, he is relentless, and he always manages to blast through a pile of blockers to make a tackle.  He is like a bloodhound for the ball carrier.

Smith uses his 4.5 speed & solid 235 lb. frame to attack the block but do not get it twisted – he can drop the shoulder and turn to overpower the blocker (Smith uses speed to get OL on his heels then gets under OL numbers and drives back, slips hands of lineman and grabs quarterback DJ Uiagalelei for the sack – 1st qtr 9:06 left vs Clemson ‘21)

Smith’s feet never stop moving and his eyes are peaking in the backfield which helps him with timing to slide off blockers and pursuit the ball carrier (Nolan Smith is tied up with TE #88 and is able to slip the block and make the tackle behind him on Justyn Ross on a screenplay – 3rd qtr 13:26 left vs Clemson ‘21) 

Nolan Smith has potential Green Dot capabilities at the NFL level as his leadership skills & football IQ are elite. He recognizes change of play quickly and helps to relay to teammates. (Smith lines up on the outside w/ his eyes on Marshon Lloyd in the backfield. Play is designed for Lloyd to cut up the middle but Rattler reads the DEF & tries to keep it but Smith is able to sniff it out and leaves Lloyd to make the tackle on Rattle for 2 yd gain – 1st qtr 4:05 left vs So. Carolina Sept 7th, ‘22)

CON’S

Smith is not very twitchy and when he uses his high motor to get around the blocker, he sometimes over pursues the QB.

235 lbs. is slightly small for ILB/OLB at the next level. Smith could add some good weight & strength to dominate. A larger OL/OT will be able to control Smith until the hole develops.

OVERALL 

There is a reason Nolan Smith is a former 5 star recruit! He is an instant impact maker whether he is causing havoc in the backfield with the ball carrier or splitting off the block into coverage. Smith’s athleticism is through the roof and his physicality will help him ‘EAT’ early and often in the NFL. His leadership skills are elite and Smith is a key locker room guy. My concerns with Smith are his pass rush abilities and the pectoral injury suffered vs the Florida Gators. Nolan’s physical abilities and intangibles should help him develop better pass rushing skills but he could drop in this year’s draft due to injury concerns, similar to Nakobe Dean (pectoral). Nolan Smith gives me a more athletic Dhani Jones vibe.

Completed by: @NinoBrown_T2T, 1/2023

Reviewed & edited: J. Clark, 01/03/23

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