ATHENS, Ga – The Roquan watch has ended. The junior linebacker has officially announced he is entering the NFL draft early.
UGA fans have been patiently waiting to see whether the Butkus Award winner would announce early or decide to play at UGA for his senior year.
His draft stock looks good following his explosive junior year and is expected to be a top-10 pick in the draft.
PHOTOS | UGA linebacker Roquan Smith
Defensive tackle Trenton Thompson is another junior who has announced entering the 2018 draft. UGA seniors who have declared include the record-breaking duo of Nick Chubb and Sony Michel.
You can read Smith’s full statement below:
“I think back to growing up in Macon County and all the family and community people of my hometown that provided so many opportunities. The teachers who educated me, the coaches who taught me how to play the games, and those who taught me how to play football all contributed to where I am today. And I can’t believe how fortunate I have been to be part of the Georgia Bulldog family these past three years. I owe so much to the Athletic Association, our academic staff, student services, and the University faculty and administration for the environment in which I’ve been able to grow.
I’m so grateful for my teammates who have always supported me every step of the way. And no thanks are enough for the coaches and staff who have provided the leadership, inspiration, and tireless hours in helping me develop as a player but also as a man. What we accomplished this year is only the beginning of what’s to come for this program. I’m proud to be a part of the foundation that Coach Smart is building on and his leadership and direction are going to bring many more great times and memories to the Bulldog Nation.
Head Coach Kirby Smart spoke about how much Smith has meant to the Dawg’s program.
Read his statement below:
“Words cannot describe how much Roquan has meant to our program. The accolades he has received are a testimony to his ability as a player. But he has also demonstrated on and off the field the qualities of a great leader who has commanded the respect of all his teammates as well as our coaching and support staffs. As the head coach, it’s been a privilege to see him develop as a student-athlete and inspirational leader who has made immeasurable contributions to our team and to the program we are building. While we will miss him, we wish him all the best and know that great success awaits him at the next level."
