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Nakobe Dean is off to the NFL after a stellar junior season. Dean shared the news Friday, via his Instagram account.
Dean collected multiple accolades in 2021, including the Butkus Award, first-team All-SEC honors by the Associated Press and conference coaches and first-team All-America recognition from the AP, Walter Camp Football Foundation, Sporting News and numerous other publications. Dean started his junior season with a bang, logging a career-high 2 sacks in the Week 1 win over Clemson. In the postseason, he posted another career-high: 5 quarterback hurries against Michigan in the Orange Bowl. Dean finished his junior season with 72 tackles, including a team-leading 10.5 for loss, 31 QB hurries, 6 sacks and 2 interceptions.
Dean played in 39 games over 3 seasons, recording 168 tackles (13.5 TFL), 7.5 sacks, 10 passes defended (2 interceptions) and 3 forced fumbles. He posted a career-high 15 tackles against Florida in 2020.
ESPN NFL Draft analyst Jordan Reid says Dean could be the first linebacker drafted this spring.
#UGA LB Nakobe Dean announces that he’s declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft. Potential to be the first LB off of the board.
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) January 14, 2022
At Georgia, Dean did more than just excel on the field. He was named captain of the 2021 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, recognizing his commitment to community service.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
