Nolan Smith (American football)

Nolan Sental Smith Jr. (born January 18, 2001) is an American football linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Georgia, where he was a two-time CFP national champion before being selected by the Eagles in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft.

Early life
Smith played for IMG Academy in high school but also attended Calvary Day School in Savannah, Georgia. Over the course of two years Smith played in 15 games totaling 88 tackles, 10.5 sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble. Nolan was rated as the number one player in the country and 20th best all-time by 247Sports.com and his comparison was Pro Bowl pass rusher Khalil Mack. As a senior he was named to the USA Today All-USA high school football team and a first-team All-American by MaxPreps. Smith signed to play college football for the University of Georgia.

College career
Smith saw 11 games in his freshman season. In these games Smith recorded 18 tackles and 2.5 sacks. In the home opener against Murray State, Smith had 1.5 sacks and 3 tackles.

Smith played in all 10 regular season games. In these games Nolan's stat line was 22 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Smith started his first game against Tennessee. In this game he would only have one tackle. In the season opener vs Arkansas, Smith would tally 6 tackles and 1.5 sacks.

Smith played in 11 games. In the SEC opener against South Carolina, Smith would record a career high 8 tackles and he would also force a fumble. In the game vs Vanderbilt, Smith was named a team captain. Against rival Florida, Smith forced a fumble and got his first interception of his career in just a 39-second span. Against Missouri, Smith blocked a punt that resulted in a safety. Smith's final stats were 40 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and one interception. Smith announced that he would return to Georgia for his senior season in 2022 rather than enter the 2022 NFL draft.

On October 29, 2022, Smith exited the game against Florida, tearing a pectoral muscle and prematurely ending his season. Smith finished the season with seven tackles, three sacks, and 16 quarterback hurries.

Professional career
Smith ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the 2023 NFL Combine, making him the second-fastest defensive lineman since 2003 after Amaré Barno (2022).

Smith was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles 30th overall in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft.

In his rookie season, Smith earned roles on the defense and special teams units, playing in all 17 regular season games. His role in the defense was limited as a reserve behind Pro-Bowler Haason Reddick. He finished his rookie season, recording 18 tackles and a sack.