*** Captain, 2021 AFCA Good Works Team ***. Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Nakobe Dean finished the 2020 college football season as Georgias leading tackler. Chris Simms' 2022 NFL Draft top five quarterbacks. I feel like it helps with the mental intensity of everything just because its a lot to be a mechanical engineering major and also be a football player, Dean told The Athletic. When Horn Lake made it to the state title game that season, Dean was reading opponents' plays to perfection. Dean has a serious drive to help others with his ingenuity and work ethic, and hes had it for quite some time.I feel like I want to work in prosthetics. "I took my education just as serious as I took my sports," Dean said. The watch parties have become vehicles to get game tickets for local kids as well as the canned foods for families in need. 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/draft/free/stories, at The latest Eagles news straight to your inbox! It was a tall task, but the Bulldogs chances rode on their top-ranked defense and how well it could slow the Crimson Tides high-powered offense. . Thats definitely one less thing. ", As those on hand begin sifting through the cans, Neketta is organizing an assembly line in order to separate beans from soups and vegetables from mac and cheese. He ended up choosing Georgia, and now has a national title to add to his accolades. Along with his smarts, Dean believes he can bring plenty more to an NFL locker room. #FlyEaglesFly . Dean has been described as "selfless' and a culture changer." As the TV crew breaks down Tom Brady highlights -- the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are playing the New York Giants, who have two Georgia alums, J.R. Reed and Tae Crowder -- Dean watches intently. The Bulldogs' defense was arguably the best in the nation in 2021, led by Dean as the leader of the unit. It's been an absolute nightmare for opponents trying to move the ball. The Butkus Award winner (best linebacker in nation) was also a finalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, which goes annually to college football's defensive player of the year, but also gives equal weight to personal character. The 2021 Butkus Award winner led the Bulldogs in tackles for loss with 10.5 and was second on the team in sacks with six. Dean has made it there, though. But the player who was the best on that defense, middle linebacker Nakobe Dean, didnt work out in Indy although according to sources, he still wowed some NFL coaches. "It just brings a smile to my face any time I go home and I'm able to talk to the kids younger than me coming up because now they've got somebody they can look up to. That's certainly new, or at least different. Dean is majoring in mechanical engineering. Dean sizzled in a Georgia defense arguably consisting of seven or eight first-round-worthy prospects last season as he collected 72 tackles, a team-high 10.5 tackles for loss, a second-most six sacks, 31 quarterback hurries, six pass breakups and a second-most two interceptions. Nakobe is both of those, said former Georgia defensive coordinator Dan Lanning, now Oregons head coach. @NakobeDean decided to to study engineering in college after visiting VA hospitals with his mother, who is a veteran. The type of three-down playmaking linebacker you want today. After Georgia won its national semifinal matchup over Michigan to advance to the national title game, Dean was asked what it would be like for a boy from Horn Lake to play for a national championship. or 'Why did you do that?'" Dean can be your general and your enforcer, with the lightning acceleration to close space in an instant, the lateral smoothness and diagnosis to be effective in coverage, finisher power to rattle tight ends and running backs, and gap accuracy and timing to rush and stunt as a blitzer in the way so common to Kirby Smart's Bulldogs defense. Hes heard so many calls of Nakobe making the call in the huddle and him executing the call.. And the 2021 Butkus Award Winner won the first day by supplying one of the most memorable answers ever given by a rookie. "We know all the hard work we put in, we're living our dream, being able to make it to the NFL. Zach Berman (@ZBerm) April 30, 2022 From our NFL Draft coverage: Here are. As Dean stands at the advent of a new era for college athletes, he is playing out an ideal year in Athens. Dont be surprised if Dean is running someones defense as a rookie. She won in the assistant professor category. Dean graduated high school with a 4.3 GPA and carried a 3.55 GPA in mechanical engineering at . 17 would have been able to visit the engineering facility, make informal connections and even get the ball rolling on the idea of an internship program once he made it to the NFL. "And so I wanted them to see each other in a different environment.". UGA football's Nakobe Dean receives NFL player comparisons Share this article James Morgan Dean has impressive instincts, football intelligence and is extremely fast. As Dean got older, he realized that they too had been the beneficiaries of other people's service when he was younger. Nakobe Dean and mother, Neketta Dean, left, during Georgia's Pro Day Dean left Georgia boasting a 3.5 GPA and has vowed to finish his mechanical engineering degree, which is roughly two semesters . Those doubled once Georgia got to No. Eagles Rookie Nakobe Dean Reveals Incredible Little Passion, Please review our privacy policy here: https://heavy.com/privacy-policy/, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. Dean left Georgia boasting a 3.5 GPA and has vowed to finish his mechanical engineering degree, which is roughly two semesters short of completion. Every step of the way, I thanked Him for putting me in this position, putting my team in this position, and I just thank Him for everything.. The most important? Stroud 2023 NFL Draft profile, scouting report, Jalen Carter 2023 NFL Draft profile, scouting report, Bryce Young 2023 NFL Draft profile, scouting report, Hunt Report: Small-college players to watch at combine, Eagles select Nakobe Dean: Three things to know, Bubble Watch: It's late, but they have a shot, Top DL prospect Carter tied to crash that killed teammate, Morant accused of punching teen, threatening security, NFLPA team report cards: Commanders fail; Vikes No. Greaves: I was relieved to lose after 70-match win streak! Thats also a credit to Coach (Glenn) Schumann. "We can't be giving that to people. The defense that ranked first in the country in points allowed (9.5) and second in the nation in yards allowed (253.9) held the reigning national champs to just one touchdown. "My mom said I would have loved it.". . Skip Ad Skip Ad All Videos Championship All Access - Back to Back "You gotta be committed and you gotta do it selflessly.". His reward was the Butkus Award as the best linebacker in college football. "I feel like my mindset is second to none. Then you decompress, watch film, and then, you have to go do something hard like that math. He's the extra blitzer needed in Jonathan Gannon's defense. The star linebacker was a straight-A student throughout his high school career. . The potential is, too -- along with the money. He's a versatile man both on and off the field. And while it marks the end of an era, Dean insists the overwhelming emotion will be pride. 2019: Co-winner of Defensive Newcomer of the Year award, given at teams post-season awards galaplayed in all 14 games and finished with 25 total stops, including 1.5 tackles for losssolo TFL came in Sugar Bowl win over Baylorone of four Bulldogs to have a team-high six tackles in shutout of Kentucky..also forced a fumble on a UK punt returnhad two tackles and a QB pressure vs. Floridathree solo tackles and a pass breakup vs. Georgia Techalso had a QB pressure vs. Arkansas Stateenrolled at UGA in January and participated in Spring drillshad five tackles in the annual G-Day intrasquad gameNamed by National Football Foundation as a member of its inaugural Team of Distinction, recognizing high school scholar-athletes for their combination of athletic and academic performances, as well as service to their communities. Job specializations: Engineering. News, Interviews, Comment & Analysis @ch_skysports. Dean recorded 71 tackles and 1.5 sacks last season. Dean became the first ninth-grader Boyette ever started on varsity. In the past, No. No matter what kind of resources their family had, her grandmother used to make them donate their time, at the very least. 10:57 pm ET, NFL combine burning questions: Young's size and more, C.J. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Dean has been in and out of first-round mock drafts during the build-up, though the general consensus is he will go inside the top 32 picks. Magnificent Malan ton steers England to victory in tense chase, Sterling's camp dismiss reports of Chelsea unrest amid Arsenal links, Nakobe Dean interview: On becoming a doctor, mechanical engineering and winning a National Championship with Georgia, Due to your consent preferences, youre not able to view this, Exclusive: Meet the NFL Draft quarterback who owes his grandma new windows. So I feel like youve just got to gain the respect of guys and the trust of guys, and youve got to know who youre playing with. They were community service kids, she recently told ESPN. . 2020: Semifinalist for the Butkus Award, which recognizes the nations best linebackermade great progress in his second seasonstarted all 10 games and played 76 percent of Georgias total defensive snaps in the regular season, tops among linebackersthe Bulldogs' leading tacklerwith 71 total stops and 13 QB pressurescareer-high 15 tackles vs. Florida, 14 stops in the Bulldogs' win at Kentucky and 12 more in victory over Mississippi Stateteam-high seven stopsin Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl win over Cincinnatialso had four QB pressures vs. the Bearcatsone of his seven tackles was a key 2nd-down stop on UC's final drivehad four tackles and a QB pressure in win over Auburnthree solo stops and a QB pressure vs. Tennesseeled team in tackles with a then-career-best seven stops, including an assisted tackle for a 2-yard loss vs. Arkansasalso credited with two QB pressures vs. the Razorbackshad five stops, including a QB sack for a 7-yard loss, and three QB pressures vs. Alabamaearned a spot on the SEC Academic Honor Roll for Fall 2020. The way he operated day in and day out showed that, and that is distinctly different from a lot of people in college., (Photo: Jeffrey Vest / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images). Nakobe Dean was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 83rd overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft. Its also going to be such an added luxury to have Dean going through the whole NFL experience with Jordan Davis, his good friend and former college teammate at Georgia. Nakobe Dean (@NakobeDean) January 11, 2022. Those who know Dean best expect him to do just that in the NFL. Here's how the other top 15 fared. The 6-foot, 225-pounder also was a Mechanical Engineering major at Georgia. As a five-star recruit considered by many to be the nations top insider linebacker prospect when he was coming out of Horns Lake, Dean had numerous scholarship offers from the top programs in the country. Dating back to seeing the veterans, I kind of wanted to go and help people.". Dean had a 3.5 GPA at Georgia in mechanical engineering, but he remains about two semesters shy of his degree, which he has said he intends to complete. Dean has the potential to be the best linebacker to wear midnight green since Jeremiah Trotter. Its a blessing that Im in this position., RELATED STORIES: I really growing up it was like I was going to be an engineer or doctor or architect, those were kind of my things. Because of the NCAA's sudden decision to allow NIL deals, the educational aspect has been done on the fly. Within that, there would well be at least five first-rounders. Its a blessing, he said. Brock Bowers' 88-Yard TD Proved Georgia's Freshman Tight End is Special, Georgia's Colors Were Almost Red, Black, andYellow. Open up the Wikipedia page of his birth city Horn Lake and atop a seven-person list of 'notable people' is Nakobe Dean, recipient of the Butkus Award, which recognises the top linebacker in the nation, and College Football National Champion with Georgia. Those two soldiers have been through quite a few wars together. From figuring out where the money is coming from, to where it's going and how it'll be taxed, to balancing it with all other requirements, football or not, players have realized they need a plan. You definitely felt that from him, and we knew that about him before we even drafted him. Not amazing at beating blocks en route to the ball carrier because he is a tick undersized. Don't miss a story! (via @Eagles) pic.twitter.com/AmVs4zkRY3. But after a man walked up to her asking for money for blankets ahead of the cold front, she took the leftover money from NIL deals and, with Dean's approval, bought blankets and Chick-fil-A sandwiches and made hygiene packages to give out at the shelter. While Dean grew up, he saw how often she visited the VA and spoke with disabled veterans. Alabama QB Bryce Young wins Heisman, thanks his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ It's going to mean a lot. What schools have the most players invited to the 2023 NFL combine? Youd be on the phone with him and hed say, OK, Coach, I appreciate that, but I have to get off the phone and do my homework now. He has priorities. "One of my goals next season is to establish myself as one of the best linebackers in the NFL. Hes an absolute monster, man, one college offensive coordinator who played Georgia late in the season told The Athletic. Ten Hag: Too soon to decide Weghorst, Sabitzer futures, How Spanish football is failing elite talent Vinicius Jr. Lewis Hamilton's race against time: Is eighth title dream still alive? The Dean kids would not only shadow their mom through her endeavors, but get involved, too. Make sure to follow along onTwitter(@DawgsHQ), onFacebookand onYouTubefor all the Dawg news you need now! MechSE professor Katie Matlack was named one of this year's recipients of The Grainger College of Engineering Dean's Award for Excellence in Research. Fresh off football practice and film sessions, the Georgia linebacker is in the middle of Pauley's, a loud restaurant in downtown Athens. Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Nakobe Dean finished the 2020 college football season as Georgia's leading tackler. Follow Bruce on Twitter @BruceFeldmanCFB. Dean was a Mechanical Engineering major at the University of Georgia with a 3.55 GPA. Ever since the NCAA approved name, image and likeness deals for college athletes in June, the money has been moving in broad daylight. *** All-America First Team - Associated Press, Walter Camp, AFCA, Sporting News, USA Today, ESPN, The Athletic, CBS ***
I want to get into designing prosthetics, he said, but I am open because I know there are a lot of avenues you can get into with mechanical engineering.. "On Draft day, first round, second round, I know I'm going to have a chance to be on a team. The Georgia Bulldogs have offered a scholarship to standout LB Carter Jones. Was the team captain for the national champs. * 2.0 QB Sacks vs. Clemson, 2021
Those who have known Dean since he was just a kid growing up in Horn Lake, Mississippi, would argue it has always been in him. Dean owns a 3.53 GPA in Mechanical Engineering and has been on the UGA Dean's List and SEC and Athletic Director Honor Roll. Entering Mondays College Football Playoff National Championship Gamein Indianapolis, Georgia had a former walk-on at quarterback while Alabama was led by the reigning Heisman Trophy winner. Kirby Smart's squad has surrendered just 53 points and 1,813 yards through eight games. "That instinct is just in me now.". His goal? Even though the purpose of this trip is for Dean to show the kids a little more about engineering in hopes of one day improving diversity in the field, it's Dean who is the kid in a candy shop. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. 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