Christopher Smith announces return to UGA for final year of eligibility in 2022
Georgia starting safety Christopher Smith is the first player to announce his return to Athens during this decision cycle, releasing a statement on social media Friday afternoon. He has one year of eligibility remaining.
“I want to start by saying that I am very blessed to be in the position I am in today. The past few years have been some of the best years of my life. None of this would have been possible without the love and unwavering support my family, coaches and teammates. I am extremely grateful,” Smith wrote. “This year was nothing short of amazing! With that being said, I have decided to return to the University of Georgia for my last year of eligibility.”
Smith’s first two seasons in Athens weren’t all too impressive, however, he stepped onto the scene during his junior season. During Week 2, Smith entered for an ejected Richard LeCounte against a top-10 Auburn team. A couple of weeks later, he found himself starting permanently after LeCounte was injured in an off-field accident and had his season come to an end.
He started the final five contests in 2020 and 11 of the 12 games in which he played during 2021. Smith had one of the highlights to the season in the opener against No. 3 Clemson, returning an interception 74 yards to the house for the only touchdown of the game. He also intercepted a pass versus Vanderbilt.
A late-season injury kept Smith sidelined and limited him during the closing stretch of the regular season before coming up big in the postseason. He had a shot to be named defensive player of the game with a stellar performance in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game against Alabama, intercepting a pass from Bryce Young in the third quarter. He also had a career-high seven tackles and two pass breakups in the win over the Crimson Tide.
Smith’s return is big considering the losses Georgia has already suffered in the secondary. Ameer Speed, Jalen Kimber and Latavious Brini have all entered the transfer portal, and Derion Kendrick is expected to head to the NFL. Fellow safety Lewis Cine also faces a draft decision while veterans contributors like Dan Jackson and William Poole must choose whether Georgia is the best option for them.
Meanwhile, Kelee Ringo will return as a starter at one of the cornerback spots with the likes of Tykee Smith, Javon Bullard, Kamari Lassiter, Nyland Green, Lovasea Carroll and David Daniel expected to be asked to step up their play during the coming offseason. If they don’t, secondary coach Jahmile Addae could be turning to 2022 signees Malaki Starks, Jaheim Singletary, Daylen Everette, Julian Humphrey and Ja’Corey Thomas for help on the back end of a defense that is expected to lose a lot up front.
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