Kearis Jackson, Nolan Smith acting as leaders on a team in search of them
Looking back on the 2021 season, a couple of things stand out as reasons for Georgia’s success. Among the biggest is leadership. And with so many leaders from that team off to the NFL, the ones that remain are taking on an even heavier burden in 2022, leading the Bulldogs into this season.
Kearis Jackson and Nolan Smith have always been leaders. The two veterans have contributed for several seasons now and served as captains for games multiple times. In 2022 though, they are two players that come to mind for season-long captainship as players that lead both vocally and by example.
“Kearis is a leader. He represents our university the right way. He’s on part of so many committees and boards. And it seems like he’s been here forever,” Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said about Jackson this preseason. “I really appreciate what he’s done in that regard. He’s been a team player. He’s got to continue to improve. He knows the competition to create value is — you know, he’s also competing with the tight ends. Because when he’s on the field, one of them’s not. So for him, it’s very important that he knows his role, he understands his role, and he creates value in the way he plays, whether it’s special teams or at wide receiver.”
Jackson has played in each of Georgia’s last 25 outings and in total, 40 games in his career. While his stats don’t blow anybody away – 57 catches for 787 yards and four touchdowns the last three seasons combined – his consistency does. Despite being banged up last season, the Fort Valley, Ga. native pushed through the pain to play in every game last season because his team needed him. That’s leadership.
Smith has done much of the same, only his leadership comes with a little bit more production. Since stepping foot on campus in 2019, the former No. 1 overall ranked recruit in the Class of 2019 has played in all but one game. Last season he started all 14 that he played in and finished fifth on the team in tackles with 56 stops. Of those, 9.0 for tackles for lost yardage, good for second on the team.
“Nolan is one of those guys that, ‘Hey, if you’re going to talk about, be about it.’ He’s known for being vocal because he is, but he holds himself to an extremely high standard in terms of how he works. I think we can see that in that room and that’s something we take pride in,” Georgia co-defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann said about Smith. “Defensively, he wants to challenge everybody to do the same thing. He’s had a great year for us and works really hard every day. He has a great toughness. Right now, he’s looking to be the best version of himself and improve in areas, he wants to be a better pass rusher. He’s working extremely hard at that. He’s really stepped out even more in terms of what he’s doing as a leader.”
Jackson, Smith and the rest of the Bulldogs have started school in Athens and will go through their 13th and 14th practices of fall camp on Thursday and Friday. Then, it’s time for the second scrimmage of the season on Saturday, all in build-up to the season-opener on September 3rd against No. 11/12 (AP/Coaches) Oregon.
