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.

Not a good decision in my unbiased opinion. That's sort of like when CJ Williams left Tech in 1996 after his junior season (and a 1,000 yd season). He really needed one more year to develop. CJ went undrafted...we'll see if/when Musa gets scooped up.

JoltinJacket Wrote:Not a good decision in my unbiased opinion. That's sort of like when CJ Williams left Tech in 1996 after his junior season (and a 1,000 yd season). He really needed one more year to develop. CJ went undrafted...we'll see if/when Musa gets scooped up.

I agree wholeheartedly Jolt. CJ was a great ballplayer, but needed one more year. He and I went to high school together and were in the same class. From what I've seen of Musa, he's got the talent and size to make it in the NFL. I haven't seen enough of him to have an opinion on whether he's ready or not though.

WR

He will definetly be drafted but next year he'll be a special team player at best probably.

special teams? he's too slow. If he gets drafted, it'll be in the last 5 picks by a desperate team for running backs who has already drafted 5.

You dont have to run a 4.4 40 to be special teams player techfan.

GDawgs88 Wrote:You dont have to run a 4.4 40 to be special teams player techfan.

You don't even have to be tall or "athletic" (see: Kelley Rhino).

yeah, but Musa isn't a special team player! He's a 4th string running back

well,techfan i would agree with that.