Kirby Smart says former 5-star recruit Nolan Smith asked to be put on scout team to get more reps: 'That is just the kind of kid he is'

There wasn’t a higher-rated prospect in the entire 2019 recruiting cycle than Nolan Smith.

The IMG Academy product ranked as the No. 1 overall prospect in the country during his senior season of prep football and won co-winner of Defensive Newcomer of the Year during his freshman season in Athens.

In the 2020 opener, Smith registered a career-best six tackles against Arkansas.

Talent alone can take you far in football but to be an elite player, you have to put in the work necessary to excel on the football field. Clearly, based on what Kirby Smart recently shared, Smith falls into the worker category.

During Kirby Smart’s most recent media availability, the Georgia coach revealed the sophomore recently asked to be placed on scout team to get more reps.

“Nolan [Smith] is fun to coach. He is full of spirit. He has never had a bad day,” Smart said of Smith. “He is fired up out there on the practice field. He is one of those guys you just like to coach.

“He texted me the other night and said, ‘Can I go to the scout team? I am not getting enough reps. I am having to rotate among three guys. I want more reps. Can I go get more reps on scout team?’ That is just the kind of kid he is.”

Now that’s a commitment to improving.

Safe to say, the best is yet to come for Smith in Athens.