Lost Dawg comes home
To say that the Roquan Smith situation has been anything short of a
soap opera series, is putting it lightly. Friday,the 6-foot, 203-pound linebacker from
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Macon County High School decided to end his whirlwind recruitment and join the
Georgia Bulldogs.
He signed his financial aid papers, binding the University of Georgia to
Smith, but Smith will not be officially a Bulldog until he steps on campus in
June.
"I am relieved to say that I am officially committed to the University of
Georgia 100%," Smith posted in a written statement on Instagram.
After committing to UCLA on ESPNU, Smith immediately had second thoughts, and
rightfully so after the learning that the Bruins might have a coaching change.
The news of Jeff Ulbrich, who was Smith's lead recruiter, was leaving UCLA left
Smith blindsided, and he decided to wait and not sign his official Letter of
Intent. Ulbrich, who is now a part of the Atlanta Falcons coaching staff, had
told Smith on the night before signing day that he had turned down the job offer
from the Falcons. Smith told UGASports uearlier this week that he would not be
siging an letter of intent with any school he picked after narrowly avoiding
being trapped to play fort a coach he didn't know.
"Thank you so much to all of my true supporters and my community," Smith wrote.
"I will make you nothing short of proud."
Smith is the prototypical linebacker defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt
wants in his system. Smith will need to add a few pounds, but his quick lateral
speed in the middle of the field is something that Georgia hasn't truly
experienced the past few years.
With Smith committing to the Bulldogs, fans are still worried that he could back
out of the commitment, since he has no official documents binding him to
Georgia. Smith has made it extremely clear that he is committed to the Bulldogs,
whether he signs a letter of intent or not.
Smith already has a heap of red and black Bulldog gear, as that was the mascot
at Macon County High School. He now will just have to switch logos and move
about three hours north.
The once lost dog, has now found a new dog house to call home.