01-08-2003, 05:22 PM
Smith heading to NFL draft
By MARK SCHLABACH
Atlanta Journal-Constitution Staff Writer
Athens -- Georgia running back Musa Smith, who became the Bulldogs' first 1,000-yard rusher in 10 years, will forego his final college season and enter April's NFL draft.
Smith, a junior from Elliottsburg, Pa., told Bulldogs coach Mark Richt of his decision on Wednesday morning. Richt is in New Orleans attending the American Football Coaches Association convention and was unavailable for comment.
Smith is the second Georgia underclassman this week to declare his intentions of entering the draft. Junior defensive tackle Johnathan Sullivan said Monday night that he'll enter the draft.
Smith, 6 feet 1, 230 pounds, ran 260 times for 1,324 yards and eight touchdowns in 13 games this season. He missed the Bulldogs' 52-24 win at Kentucky because of a broken thumb but played the final six games with a cast on his left hand.
Smith, who was dogged by shoulder and groin injuries in his first two seasons, was named All-SEC by the Associated Press and the league's coaches. Smith's decision to turn pro leaves a big hole in Georgia's backfield next season. Redshirt freshman Tony Milton ran 82 times for 314 yards, and freshman Tyson Browning gained 111 yards on 23 attempts.
The Bulldogs already have an oral commitment from Stephenson High School running back Kregg Lumpkin, a Journal-Constitution Super 11 pick. Georgia also is recruiting running back Ernie Simms, from Tallahassee, who many recruiting services regard as the nation's No. 1 prospect.
By MARK SCHLABACH
Atlanta Journal-Constitution Staff Writer
Athens -- Georgia running back Musa Smith, who became the Bulldogs' first 1,000-yard rusher in 10 years, will forego his final college season and enter April's NFL draft.
Smith, a junior from Elliottsburg, Pa., told Bulldogs coach Mark Richt of his decision on Wednesday morning. Richt is in New Orleans attending the American Football Coaches Association convention and was unavailable for comment.
Smith is the second Georgia underclassman this week to declare his intentions of entering the draft. Junior defensive tackle Johnathan Sullivan said Monday night that he'll enter the draft.
Smith, 6 feet 1, 230 pounds, ran 260 times for 1,324 yards and eight touchdowns in 13 games this season. He missed the Bulldogs' 52-24 win at Kentucky because of a broken thumb but played the final six games with a cast on his left hand.
Smith, who was dogged by shoulder and groin injuries in his first two seasons, was named All-SEC by the Associated Press and the league's coaches. Smith's decision to turn pro leaves a big hole in Georgia's backfield next season. Redshirt freshman Tony Milton ran 82 times for 314 yards, and freshman Tyson Browning gained 111 yards on 23 attempts.
The Bulldogs already have an oral commitment from Stephenson High School running back Kregg Lumpkin, a Journal-Constitution Super 11 pick. Georgia also is recruiting running back Ernie Simms, from Tallahassee, who many recruiting services regard as the nation's No. 1 prospect.