LOS ANGELES - Kirby Smart quite literally can't get Javon Bullard off the field.
The 5-foot-11, 180-pound defensive back has battled shoulder injuries all season. But when the staff tries to hold him out of practice or issue him a black non-contact jersey, the Milledgeville native refuses.
Bullard is widely regarded as one of the toughest players on Georgia's team, a diminutive defensive back who plays the vital star position. He helped spur the Bulldogs to their 65-7 win over TCU on Monday night, clinching Georgia's second consecutive national championship.
"His shoulder comes out tonight, his collarbone, and he just stays in the game," Smart said after the game. "He embodies what our culture is, which is toughness."
Bullard followed up his Peach Bowl MVP performance with another MVP effort against TCU.
He registered just one tackle. But Bullard also recovered a first-quarter fumble and recorded a pair of interceptions in the second quarter.
The first came on a TCU third down. Horned Frog quarterback Max Duggan, staring down fierce pressure, heaved it deep and into Bullard's waiting arms.
On the next possession, with less than a minute left in the first half, Bullard cut in front of a receiver for his second pick. Georgia scored touchdowns on both drives after the interceptions.
"As a kid, you know, you always dream of moments like this," Bullard said. "And just to see those moments and accomplishments and things like that come true, it's just a surreal feeling. I'm extremely blessed to be in the position I am. I just thank God for it every day."
Bullard is far from the most physically imposing player on a team full of four and five-star recruits. The former three-star prospect surprises teammates like defensive lineman Nazir Stackhouse every day with his toughness and willingness to do the dirty work.
According to Tykee Smith, who also plays the star position, Bullard meets extra with co-defensive coordinator Will Muschamp to make sure he understands the game plan.
"That’s the biggest thing, his preparation and the way he goes about his business," Smith said. "The way we play so physical on the edge, just doing the stuff we’re directed to do, us being our size, just fearless. That’s one word I can describe him, just fearless."
Bullard's fellow defensive backs aren't shocked by what he did against TCU. They see those same plays made every day in practice.
The college football world got the opportunity to watch Bullard on Monday night. The same skills and toughness that turned him from three-star to starter helped him change the game for the Bulldogs on the biggest stage.
"It’s amazing, man," safety Christopher Smith said. "I just see the amount of work he puts in every day, just going to war with my brother. To see it pay off for him in such a big way, it’s special."
