The Latest: Despite being committed to Georgia for nearly 18 months, five-star IMG Academy defensive end/linebacker Nolan Smith is always a popular man with the recruiting media. The Georgia native's unique personality combined with his elite skillset always makes him a topic of interest. That was again the case this week at IMG Academy's annual media day, where he talked about the Dawgs as well as his continued interest in Alabama and Clemson. Rivals.com was on hand to catch up with Smith and shares his comments below.
IN HIS WORDS
"I haven’t signed yet so I’m still just trying to find a home and the right place for me ... I only have one official visit scheduled and that's to Georgia. I don' know the date right now. Probably the Auburn game because we finish up early here. I'm going to sign in December and that's what I came to IMG for. The transition [to college] will be smoother. When I leave here it should be automatic because we run the same schedule as a college."
Georgia
On Georgia’s recruiting class: “We’re really just still trying to build and add some more pieces.”
On the recent commitment of Travon Walker: “It'’s more fun when everyone on the field is eating. It’s not just about you. I’m more of a team player so if my brother makes a great play I’m going to be excited for him. If there’s a big defensive tackle inside that just means there’s going to be more exciting plays.”
On Georgia putting defensive players in the NFL: “I’m going to play outside linebacker at Georgia and in the outside linebacker room we have had a lot of draft picks. Lorenzo Carter went in the third round, Leonard Floyd went first round and even from the linebacker standpoint we had Roquan Smith win the Butkis award and go in the first round also so the linebacker room is full of linebackers from Georgia across the board.”
What is it about Georgia that keeps you locked in and committed? “That’s undisclosed”
Alabama
Alabama’s message: “They have outside linebackers get drafted No. 1 overall every year."
What do you like about Alabama? “Everything. It’s like IMG. It’s a tradition. You don’t play for yourself or for the team that you’re on currently. You play for the people that came before you and laid the pathway for you.”
On Nick Saban: "You see Nick Saban as times are changing he’s changing. He’s not just the same old guy that he used to be. Recruits are changing and recruits are different so now he has to change up his game and be different.”
What stands out about Alabama? "Just the place and the coaches. As you walk in; as they say about the New England Patriots, when you walk in their room and their locker room it’s a culture that you feel just walking in. You just don’t walk in there walk in like a normal person.”
Clemson
"I love everything about Clemson. Two of my favorite teammates are playing at Clemson right now and one of my best friends went to the same high school as the starting tight end at Clemson. So I guess they feel like they don’t have a chance but I was going to take an official visit there, but right now I’m down to taking one official. I’m only going to Georgia as of now."
