Georgia’s 2019 recruiting class ranked second in the country and features both the nation’s top overall recruit, Nolan Smith, and the No. 1 JUCO prospect, Jermaine Johnson.
Both Smith and Johnson enrolled early at Georgia, allowing them to partake in spring practice and make an early impression. The two players are big, fast, physical and are capable of playing either outside linebacker or defensive end.
With Georgia starting practice last week, both players have had enough time to impress head coach Kirby Smart, who had nothing but great things to say about them.
“I’ve seen hunger out of both of those guys. They don’t know exactly what to do yet, but man they do it hard. There’s something to be said for that,” Smart said. “We’re going to play kids at the University of Georgia who give effort and play hard and do the right things. Those two guys, they play hard. They don’t know what they’re doing yet, and that’s our job.”
Smith ranked as the number one overall player in the country out of IMG Academy. At “The Opening,” he was recorded running a 4.55 40-yard dash, which has to simply terrify opposing offenses.
Johnson projects as an instant starter at Georgia. At Independence C.C., the 6-6, 250 pounder was an absolute monster who was more than capable of utilizing a finesse or power move to get around an offensive tackle.
Smart continued…
“I’m very thankful they’re here for (these) 15 practices,” Smart continued. “I mean Nolan has flashed some plays. He made a helluva hit today and a really good play. He’s also flashed some What are you doing?’ Jermaine has been the same play. We call them ‘Super Man plays,’ where you look out there and say ‘Who is that guy? Who is that jersey number?’ But then they’re lost some too. I’m fired up to coach those two guys because I’m excited about what they’re going to do to the guys in front of them from a pushing standpoint.”
