SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME: GEORGIA VS ALABAMA

November 29, 2021

Nakobe Dean

Georgia Bulldogs

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Workout Day Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: We are ready to continue with Georgia's Nakobe Dean. Nakobe, while we wait on questions, please give us your general thoughts on the upcoming game against Alabama.

NAKOBE DEAN: General thoughts, what an opportunity. How blessed we are to be in this position to play this game, play the game that we love with each other. So what an opportunity. I'm ready for quizzing now.

Q. There's been a lot of discussion of Jordan Davis possibly getting an invitation to New York City for the Heisman award. What would you say to folks who have the ability to get him there, to Heisman voters about why he should be considered.

NAKOBE DEAN: I say do it. I'm an everything Jordan Davis. You say why? Because he's one of the most toughest defensive players in the nation. That's why I feel that truly in my heart.

Q. Nakobe, I just wanted to ask about how you feel heading into this matchup with such an explosive offense with Bryce Young and those receivers and Robinson out of the backfield.

NAKOBE DEAN: I feel excited. I'm excited for the opportunity to play such an explosive offense. The opportunity to have this type of matchup, to play this type of competition, they're really talented. They've got a real good offense, and they're coached good also. So it's a great opportunity for us to play a game like this.

Q. Nakobe, I wanted to ask you about have you ever watched Kirby on film play? How do you think he would fit into your defense in 2021?

NAKOBE DEAN: I actually never seen Coach Smart, never seen him play. How would he fit? Well, if he's disciplined, he'll fit right in. If he's disciplined, he'll fit right in. He'll have to work for his spot just like everybody else did, but he's disciplined, he do his job, and he play like his hair is on fire, and he'll fit right in.

Q. Nakobe, I'm curious if you have a good Kirby Smart story from this season. Something from practice that was moving or funny or something. I know he's so passionate with you all.

NAKOBE DEAN: A Coach Smart story? Man, from this season? I'm trying to find something funny and not nothing too off the wall.

Q. Off the wall is good too. I'll take anything.

NAKOBE DEAN: Let's see. I'm trying to think of something. It's not like I don't have a story. There's just so many that come to mind. It's like I can't even -- man. I'll tell you a boring one because I'm drawing a blank for real.

One time Schumann had to go out and recruit. If anybody know Coach Schu, they know his meetings last forever. So he had to go out and recruit. So we had to meet with Coach Smart. And the way Coach Smart and Coach Schu run meetings, it's just completely different. I know it's not much of a story, but all the former players at UGA or who have been under Coach Smart and Coach Schu know what I'm talking about.

Q. What do you mean completely different?

NAKOBE DEAN: So Coach Smart does this thing where he talk fast and he just answer right after so he don't give you a chance to answer. Coach Schu asks you a question, and he'll sit there until you answer it. It would be kind of like you'll be confused about what to say. Coach Schu just kind of asks it like open questions, like anything can be the right answer, but he's looking for one specific answer. They know what I'm talking about if they've been in the meeting.

Q. I've got one more quick one for you. I'm going to be on the sideline Saturday. Who is a player on the defensive side of the ball who is coaching other players up and more of an rah-rah cheerleader type of guy I should look for?

NAKOBE DEAN: Yeah, Nolan. Yeah, if you know Nolan, you know he can talk. He's going to talk a lot. And not even just for coaching guys up. If it's just getting everybody in the right mindset, encouraging guys, and he's going to be the one that talks. I feel like that's the big one, Nolan.