University of Georgia Athletics
Photo by: Tony Walsh/UGAAA
Christopher Smith Named Bronko Nagurski Trophy Finalist
November 16, 2022 | Football
ATHENS, Ga. --- Bulldog fifth-year senior safety Christopher Smith has been included as one of four finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, according to an announcement from the Charlotte Touchdown Club and Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) Wednesday.
Smith, a native of Atlanta, joins Alabama linebacker Will Anderson, Pittsburgh defensive tackle Calijah Kancey and USC defensive end Tuli Tuipulotu as finalists.
Former Bulldog and College and Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive back Champ Bailey has been Georgia's only winner of the Nagurski Trophy in 1998. Counting Smith, Georgia has had a finalist in four of the last six seasons, joining lineman Jordan Davis (2021), safety J.R. Reed (2019) and linebacker Roquan Smith (2017). Also, linebacker Justin Houston (2010) and lineman David Pollack (2002 & 2004) were finalists.
Smith has been the anchor on the backend of a Bulldog defense that is ranked second nationally in Scoring Defense (11.6 points/game), third in Red Zone Defense (67 percent) and fourth nationally in Rushing Defense (82.5 yards/game). He has 37 tackles, including four tackles for loss and two sacks, and a fumble recovery for a unit that had eight players go in the 2022 NFL Draft, including five First Round selections. Smith is also tied for the team lead with two interceptions as the Bulldogs attempt to win their 26th consecutive regular season game this weekend.
Smith is also a Jim Thorpe Award and Chuck Bednarik Award semifinalist after being named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week twice already this season.
The top-ranked Bulldogs (10-0, 7-0 SEC) travel to Lexington, Ky., this week to face Kentucky (6-4, 3-4 SEC). CBS will televise Georgia's final regular season conference contest at 3:30 p.m.
Smith, a native of Atlanta, joins Alabama linebacker Will Anderson, Pittsburgh defensive tackle Calijah Kancey and USC defensive end Tuli Tuipulotu as finalists.
Former Bulldog and College and Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive back Champ Bailey has been Georgia's only winner of the Nagurski Trophy in 1998. Counting Smith, Georgia has had a finalist in four of the last six seasons, joining lineman Jordan Davis (2021), safety J.R. Reed (2019) and linebacker Roquan Smith (2017). Also, linebacker Justin Houston (2010) and lineman David Pollack (2002 & 2004) were finalists.
Smith has been the anchor on the backend of a Bulldog defense that is ranked second nationally in Scoring Defense (11.6 points/game), third in Red Zone Defense (67 percent) and fourth nationally in Rushing Defense (82.5 yards/game). He has 37 tackles, including four tackles for loss and two sacks, and a fumble recovery for a unit that had eight players go in the 2022 NFL Draft, including five First Round selections. Smith is also tied for the team lead with two interceptions as the Bulldogs attempt to win their 26th consecutive regular season game this weekend.
Smith is also a Jim Thorpe Award and Chuck Bednarik Award semifinalist after being named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week twice already this season.
The top-ranked Bulldogs (10-0, 7-0 SEC) travel to Lexington, Ky., this week to face Kentucky (6-4, 3-4 SEC). CBS will televise Georgia's final regular season conference contest at 3:30 p.m.
Players Mentioned
DB
/ FootballGeorgia Football 2026 GDay Spring Game - Postgame Player Sound
Saturday, April 18
Georgia Football 2026 G-Day TV Highlights
Saturday, April 18
2026 GDay Spring Game - Coach Smart Press Conference
Saturday, April 18
Georgia Football - Coach Smart Spring Practice Press Conference
Tuesday, April 07