Sports
Sports

Watch: Roquan Smith was nearly a Bruin and not a Bulldog

Roquan Smith almost was a Bruin and not a Bulldog Smith might be Georgia’s most important player. The junior linebacker led the team in tackles as the Bulldogs went 12-1. Smith and the Bulldogs won the SEC Championship Game. Georgia also earned a spot in the college football playoffs. But what if the former Montezuma star Smith never even suited up for Georgia? Smith initially committed to UCLA live on TV in 2015. He did not sign a letter of intent. Later he learned that UCLA defensive coordinator J
By
Dec 14, 2017

Linebacker Roquan Smith might be Georgia’s most important player.

Without Nick Chubb at tailback, there’s still Sony Michel and D’Andre Swift available. And Jacob Eason might be able to step in for Jake Fromm at QB.

But where would the Rose Bowl-bound SEC champions be without Smith anchoring the defense?

The Montezuma standout almost never became a Bulldog. He originally committed to UCLA on live TV in 2015.

Watch the video above to see the circumstances that brought Smith to Athens.

About the Author

Mike Luck is an Audience Specialist on the sports team at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He has worked at the AJC since 1980.

More Stories

Keep Reading

Atlanta Dream’s new players (from left) Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, Brionna Jones and Brittney Griner pose for photographers during a press conference to introduce the team's newest members, Tuesday, February 4, 2025, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Atlanta Dream to begin season vs. Indiana Fever at State Farm Arena

Kirk Cousins on the clock after fan favorite Grady Jarrett released?

There could be more news from Flowery Branch Tuesday as a decision is still looming on the league’s richest backup quarterback ahead of the official opening of the ......

Wheeler among five high school state champions crowned

Here are the scores and schedule from the basketball finals at the Macon Coliseum.

The Latest

Braves pitcher Grant Holmes throws a live batting practice session in North Port, Fla.

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC

Sports Daily: Robot umps and Ronald Acuña Jr.

Atlanta TV sports listings

Sports Daily: All hail our short king

Featured

State Rep. Kimberly New, R-Villa Rica, stands in the House of Representatives during Crossover Day at the Capitol in Atlanta on Thursday, March 6, 2025. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: Arvin Temkar/AJC

Georgia election bill replaced in late-night maneuver, an attempt to change voting laws

A short elections bill advancing through the Georgia General Assembly is a "vehicle" for bigger potential changes to voting laws.

10K-square-foot mystery restaurant planned for CNN Center reboot

The owners of the Center, formerly known as CNN Center, announced that a high-end restaurant tenant had been secured as the downtown Atlanta building is redeveloped.

Tent-slashing raises questions about Old Wheat Street encampment sweep

Caseworkers faced threats from suspect Daniel Barnett before a January sweep ended in Taylor’s death. Could officials have acted sooner?