During Day Two of SEC Media Days, Kirby Smart took the podium for the second time as the Georgia Bulldogs head coach. During the media questions portion of the event, Touchdown Alabama’s own Stephen Smith asked Coach Smart about his rising star at linebacker, Roquan Smith. Though he was asked to compare him to Rolando McClain, Kirby compared him to another former Alabama linebacker.
“If I had to draw a comparison to anybody, it would probably be closer to C.J. Mosley athletically,” Smart remarked, “[with] the ability to cover and move in space.”
The 6-1, 225-pound inside linebacker started all 13 games and recorded 95 tackles, 5.0 for a loss, and two forced fumbles as a sophomore in Smart’s defense last season. In comparison, C.J. Mosley recorded 37 tackles, 4.5 for a loss, 2,0 sacks, and an interception in his sophomore season. However, Mosley only played in 11 games.
He ended his Alabama career with 317 tackles, 23.0 for a loss, 6.5 sacks, five interceptions, and three touchdowns before being selected in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft to the Baltimore Ravens.
“Roquan needs no comparison,” Smart continued, “he’s a great leader. He’s done wonders for our defense because he’s a student of the game, but more importantly he helps lead those guys.”
He went on to discuss how Smith was not able to participate in Spring practices and how badly it hurt him he could not do so as a leader. In C.J. Mosley’s heyday at Alabama, he, too, was the leader of the defense and a team captain himself. Not being able to play due to an injury of any sort bothers guys like these two. Leaders want to lead, and in order to do so, they need to be on the field and in uniform.
“I think it speaks volumes to his character, and we’re really fired up to have him.”
Jake Weaver is a lead writer for TD Alabama Magazine and Bama Hoops Hype. You can contact him via phone at 205-612-5060, or on Twitter @JWeaver_TDALMag
