7 returning Georgia Bulldogs players to watch, 2018 defense

7 returning players to watch in 2018

Roquan Smith established himself as one of the elite linebackers in Georgia Bulldogs history in helping the team win the SEC championship last season and advance to the College Football Playoff title game.

Smith’s collection of 2017 statistics includes 137 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and 20 quarterback hurries. The Chicago Bears rewarded Smith by taking him in the first round (eighth overall) of the NFL draft.

» More: 7 UGA players to follow on offense

The Bulldogs lost a second defender in the draft when the New York Giants took linebacker Lorenzo Carter in the third round (66th overall). Carter finished third on the team in tackles with 61 and recorded 7.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.

Other key losses were senior defensive back Dominick Sanders and junior defensive tackle Trenton Thompson, who decided to forego his senior season to enter the draft, but wasn’t selected.

Check out the video above for information on seven key returning players on defense for the Bulldogs.