Georgia LB Nolan Smith (torn pec) out for season

Georgia exterior linebacker Nolan Smith, the No. 1-ranked Bulldogs’ main go rusher this season, will miss the remainder of the season with a torn pectoral muscle, sources confirmed to ESPN on Tuesday.

Smith, a senior from Savannah, Georgia, was harm within the first half of the Bulldogs’ 42-20 victory towards Florida and did not return.

Smith leads the Bulldogs with three sacks, seven tackles for loss and 16 quarterback hurries.

On3 was first to report the information of Smith’s season-ending damage.

Smith is taken into account a possible first-round choice within the 2023 NFL draft. Sources instructed ESPN on Tuesday that it is unclear whether or not he’ll be prepared to completely take part within the NFL Mix, scheduled for Feb. 28 to March 6 in Indianapolis. The damage sometimes requires a three- to four-month restoration, so Smith most likely would not have adequate time to coach for the mix.

If Smith is not in a position to totally carry out on the NFL mix, he would most likely work out for NFL groups later within the draft course of.

With out Smith, Georgia should search for different methods to strain Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker, who has thrown for two,338 yards with 21 touchdowns and one interception this season. The Volunteers lead the FBS in each scoring (49.4 factors) and complete offense (553 yards) and are second in passing (353.4 yards).

Final week, Good recommended Smith for his management and toughness.

“Nolan is a pure chief,” Good stated. “He is been that manner since I met him when he was in eighth grade and he got here up right here to camp. He is been a pure chief. His management is extra essential than his potential, and his potential is fairly robust. He creates a toughness concerning the he holds individuals to a normal of the way in which you strike blocks, the way in which you shut on counters, the way in which you rush with effort, particular groups, I imply, he performs on all particular groups. He is only a core man.”

Sophomore Chaz Chambliss performed effectively towards Florida in Smith’s absence, ending with three tackles, one sack and one deal with for loss. He had been bothered by a hamstring damage, and Good stated he was nonetheless coping with it after the Florida sport. Freshman Marvin Jones Jr., who had the flu final week, additionally would possibly get elevated enjoying time in Smith’s absence.

Georgia’s protection ranks No. 2 within the FBS in scoring, permitting solely 10.5 factors per sport, but it surely had struggled to sack the quarterback till the Florida sport. The return of junior defensive deal with Jalen Carter, who had been sidelined for 2 video games with a knee damage, was a giant cause why.

“He regarded higher than I assumed,” Good stated. “I hope we’ll have the ability to have him at full velocity.”