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.