How injured Nolan Smith continues to help Georgia football win: ‘He’s been a huge help to everyone’

By Connor Riley, DawgNation

December 30, 2022 at 10:35 am EST

Tennessee vs. Georgia (11/5/22) Georgia inside linebacker Rian Davis (0), Georgia outside linebacker Nolan Smith (4) during Georgias game against Tennessee on Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022. (Photo by Tony Walsh) (Tony Walsh/Tony Walsh/UGAAA)

By Connor Riley, DawgNation

December 30, 2022 at 10:35 am EST

ATLANTA — Hours after his Georgia playing career had come to a halt, Nolan Smith was happy.

Not with the torn pectoral injury that ended his senior season, but with the fact that someone finally got Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson down for a sack in Georgia’s 42-20 win.

“I was just so happy we got him (Anthony Richardson) down,” Smith said. “Everybody was missing him, missing. When Chaz (Chambliss) got him I literally jumped for joy. Like I got the sack. You get to step back and still be a fan.”

Smith has been more than a fan for the Bulldogs in the weeks since he tore his pectoral muscle. Because of his knowledge of the Georgia system and infectious energy, Smith has seamlessly transitioned into being a pseudo-coach for the Bulldogs.

He’s found a way to still make a positive impact on this team, even if he is restricted to the sidelines.