Roquan Smith could have declared for the NFL Draft after his redshirt sophomore season in 2016, but instead, the Georgia linebacker decided to return to Athens.

It’s clear now that he made the right decision, as he’s become one of the best defensive players in the country, leading the Bulldogs to a College Football Playoff berth in the process.

In the SEC Championship Game victory over Auburn on Saturday, Smith recorded 13 tackles (two for a loss) and one sack. He also recovered two fumbles in the 28-7 win.

Now, the honors are already starting to pour in for the talented linebacker, as it was announced on Sunday night that Smith had won the Butkus Award, given annually to the nation’s best linebacker, per a release from the Butkus Award’s homepage.

In the release, the committee praised Smith’s toughness and leadership, saying it was an easy choice to give him the award:

“Roquan Smith proved to be the overwhelming favorite in this year’s collegiate linebacking class. He’s always around the ball and is very tough, fast and instinctive, with exceptional football reflexes. He makes his presence felt all over the field and hits with the type of explosion that has come to define the Butkus Award. As terrific of a football player as he is, Roquan is highly regarded by teammates, coaches and support staff for his intelligence, intensity and leadership traits.”

Georgia still has as many as two games left this year, so Smith will have more opportunities to show his skills.

His next game will be on Jan. 1 against Oklahoma in the Rose Bowl. If the Bulldogs win, Smith may be in line for even more awards and could work his way into the top 10 of the draft.