Georgia linebacker Roquan Smith (3) sacks Auburn quarterback Jarrett Stidham (8) for an 11-yard loss on third down during Southeastern Conference championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Ga.Georgia junior Roquan Smith, who racked up 137 tackles this past season and won the Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker, announced Monday that he is forgoing his final year of college eligibility to enter the NFL draft.
Monday marked the deadline for underclassmen to declare for the draft, which will be held April 26-28 in Arlington, Texas.
"As you know, this is somewhat of a crossroads for me," Smith said through a release. "I've had discussions with coaches and family and a lot of thought and prayer. The decision to leave is not easy, but I know it is the right one. Georgia will always be my school and my home, and I sincerely wish all the best to the coaches, staff and players as they continue to reach higher goals in the years to come."
The 6-foot-1, 225-pounder from Montezuma, Ga., is rated by longtime ESPN analyst Mel Kiper as the top inside linebacker prospect in the 2018 draft. CBS lists Smith as the fourth overall draft prospect regardless of position behind North Carolina State defensive end Bradley Chubb, Florida State safety Derwin James and Notre Dame guard Quenton Nelson.
Smith's tackle total past season was the highest by a Georgia player since Thomas Davis amassed 138 in 2003. Davis has been a linebacker with the Carolina Panthers for the last 12 seasons.
In addition to his 137 stops, Smith also tallied 17 quarterback hurries, 14 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble.
"Words cannot describe how much Roquan has meant to our program," Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart said in a released statement. "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."
Junior Deandre Baker, rated by CBS as the No. 21 cornerback prospect in the 2018 draft, announced Monday that he would be returning for his senior year. Baker had 44 tackles and three interceptions this past season.
Also announcing his return Monday was junior receiver Terry Godwin, who had 38 catches for 639 yards and six touchdowns this past season, averaging 16.8 yards per catch after averaging 10.6 his first two years.
Smith's two fumble recoveries occurred during Georgia's 28-7 win over Auburn in the Southeastern Conference championship game, which marked the first league title for the Bulldogs since 2005. He had 13 tackles against Auburn in Mercedes-Benz Stadium and added 11 more in the New Year's Day double-overtime triumph over Oklahoma in the Rose Bowl.
In last week's 26-23 overtime loss to Alabama in the championship game of the College Football Playoff, Smith made 13 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss.
"I'm so grateful for my teammates who have always supported me every step of the way," Smith said, "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."
Georgia will be without three players for the 2018 season who had eligibility remaining in the program. Junior defensive tackle Trenton Thompson announced last week that he was bypassing his final season for the NFL draft, and sophomore quarterback Jacob Eason announced last week that he was transferring after two years in Athens.
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.