Dating back to seeing the veterans, I kind of wanted to go and help people.". He narrowed his choices to engineering and pre-med because of his interest in prosthetics. Bruce Feldman is the National College Football Insider for The Athletic. He has been privy to the evolution of the off-ball linebacker and the added necessity to be able to join the line of scrimmage, operate off the edge, or retreat into coverage. Upon arriving at Georgia to focus on football he majored in mechanical engineering. Along with his smarts, Dean believes he can bring plenty more to an NFL locker room. Georgia linebacker Nakobe Dean is expected to go in the first-round of the Draft on Thursday night, Nakobe Dean and mother, Neketta Dean, left, during Georgia's Pro Day. Kirby Smart's squad has surrendered just 53 points and 1,813 yards through eight games. The first two years provide a good grounding in the broad fundamentals of mechanical engineering science and engineering design. Not amazing at beating blocks en route to the ball carrier because he is a tick undersized. And the money from other smaller deals or matching by companies, including his agency, have allowed Neketta to also do what she does best: more. The Bulldogs' defense was arguably the best in the nation in 2021, led by Dean as the leader of the unit. INDIANAPOLIS Earlier this month, the national champion Georgia Bulldogs turned the NFL Scouting Combine into their own showcase of freaky athleticism. Dean says later that night. (via @Eagles) pic.twitter.com/AmVs4zkRY3. The guy works extremely hard and watches a lot of film, asks a lot of questions, but its truly the way the guy has been wired since his recruitment, said Lanning. 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. Off the field, Dean is a mechanical engineering student with a 4.0 GPA and is also a possible first-round NFL draft pick. Schumann returning to Georgia, Georgia's Nakobe Dean, Jordan Davis can transform Eagles' defense, Barnwell: Georgia just produced the most valuable college draft class ever. Dubbed the "field general" by Georgia, the Bulldogs led the country in scoring defense (9.5 points per game) and red zone defense (60% of possessions resulted in scores) in the regular season. But what many people didnt hear a lot about was his classroom smarts. The potential is, too -- along with the money. As Dean got older, he realized that they too had been the beneficiaries of other people's service when he was younger. The NFL Draft now awaits as a pick 'n' mix of Georgia superstars, with Dean joined by No 1-overall contender Travon Walker, defensive tackles Jordan Davis and Devonte Wyatt, linebackers Quay Walker and Channing Tindall, safety Lewis Cine, wide receiver George Pickens, running back James Cook and offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer as those expected to be taken across three days. Her goal was two-fold -- raise money for the football program and bring officers into a shared space with a football team that was largely Black. Older . What schools have the most players invited to the 2023 NFL combine? Hes a versatile man both on and off the field. NFL draft questions for teams in the top 10: Will the Colts trade up? . It's still going strong. 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. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. He'll be reunited with defensive tackle Jordan Davis in Philadelphia, who the Eagles selected at No. In college, Dean has had pedestrian numbers compared to his senior season of high school. Sept. 26, 2020; Fayetteville, Arkansas; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Nakobe Dean (17) looks in the Arkansas Razorbacks backfield during the second quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. The junior has established himself as the leader on the best defense in college football by making plays all over the field. Iowa's Tyler Linderbaum raised $30,000 through an NIL deal for the children's hospital. "I hope to bring the winning mentality," he said. Full Time position. High School: Horn Lake HS, coached by Brad Boyette2018 High School Butkus Award winner as the nations top prep LBselected for the 2019 Under Armour All-America Gamechosen as the 2018-19 Gatorade High School Football Player in Mississippi USA Today All-USA first team and listed at No. Neketta gives her a hug. (Dean) ran with him stride for stride and then makes the tackle in open space. Both his parents are Gulf War vets, he. The junior has established himself as the leader on the best defense in college football by making plays all over the field. * 1 INT vs. Auburn, Florida, 2021 He pulls one of the kids aside and tells him about how some of the machines work. He can even drop back into coverage, like when he had a pick-six to close out the first half against Florida. Chris Simms' 2022 NFL Draft top five quarterbacks. From providing food to the homeless, to street cleanups and more, Georgia LB Nakobe Dean, with the help of his mother, has made it a priority to give back to Athens and his hometown of Horn Lake, MS. Giving back has always been something near and dear to me.@sportsiren pic.twitter.com/YU4wwIM4rA, ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) January 10, 2022. "I'm going to bring that winning mentality to the NFL, my leadership," he explains. I had great people around me and we were able to execute a plan," former Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux tells ESPN. 47. 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.. Please check your email for a confirmation. "All the physical things are on film, you can watch that and work me out. Growing up, my mom is a veteran. "I've had meetings with the Patriots. Stakes are higher. it's always funny when we look for young kids to be the best example for all of us.". Job in Carlsbad - San Diego County - CA California - USA , 92002. He sends shivers down the quarterback's spine when he pursues a sack. Our back is really fast and that play shouldve gone for at least 20. Listing for: L3Harris. Nakobe Dean was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 83rd overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft. It just symbolises the hard work I put in, but reminds me that it's not over, it's just getting started, I've got a lot more work to put in, the chip on my shoulder has done nothing but grow and I just got a lot of work to put in.". You definitely felt that from him, and we knew that about him before we even drafted him. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) Entering Monday's College Football Playoff National Championship Game in Indianapolis, Georgia had a former walk-on at quarterback while Alabama was led by the reigning Heisman Trophy winner. In fact, academics have been his top priority throughout his life. Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Nakobe Dean finished the 2020 college football season as Georgia's leading tackler. I remember recruiting him. He plans on majoring in either chemical or mechanical engineering in college. Its a blessing, he said. Dont be surprised if Dean is running someones defense as a rookie. ", 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. Thats also a credit to Coach (Glenn) Schumann. "For us, [NIL] hasn't really been about making money, it's about using this platform to help others.". Thats something Ive got to earn and get that trust from them.. 2023 On3 Media, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Those doubled once Georgia got to No. Dean underwent surgery for his labrum injury following the Peach Bowl in early January. Neketta, who worked for . When it came to numbers, he always had the right answer.". I feel like I definitely enjoy talking ball with them. As a Disabled Vet and Eagle fan . That's not a combination that lends itself to a lot of free time or a "normal" college experience. "Surreal family, a feeling that was second to none. Hes living up to his billing as a five-star recruit. He understands things he gets it, and he plays super fast.. THE FOLLOWING DAY, a few hours before the turkey giveaway, the Deans are back at the homeless shelter. He joined Phil Perry on a new episode of the Next Pats Podcast to share why he'd benefit any team that takes a chance on him in the draft. Design/Web/Multimedia. Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Texas A&M, Baylor, Clemson, Duke, Florida, Florida State, Iowa, Memphis, Michigan, Mississippi State, Missouri, Nebraska, Ole Miss, South Alabama, Stanford, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt all wanted his services. 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. The Dallas Cowboys' Micah Parsons has become a modern beacon in that respect as he play-wrecked primarily as an edge rusher in his Defensive Rookie of the Year-winning campaign. The 2021 Butkus Award winner, All-America first team linebacker, and captain of the AFCA Good Works Team now has a big NFL draft decision to make. Watch all three days of the 2022 NFL Draft unfold on Sky Sports NFL, April 28-30, starting with live build-up to day one from 9pm on Thursday, April 28, with the first picks expected to be made just after 1am. Linebacker Nakobe Dean is one of the primary reasons the Georgia defense has been a brick wall. Afterward, Boyette asked him what led him to make the move. With your DawgsHQ membership, youll not only have access to the goings on in Athens, but youll be able to peruse other fan sites within the On3 network to hear just how rivals are feeling about the Dawgs, as well. And while it marks the end of an era, Dean insists the overwhelming emotion will be pride. A young boy says the words quietly like he's trying not to get caught. Three trades in a chaotic top five, The new law changing service academy football, and the coaches pushing back, Realignment chatter: How the Pac-12 holds the key to it all. He ended up choosing Georgia, and now has a national title to add to his accolades. Job specializations: Engineering. Thibodeaux had numerous NIL deals including his own NFT and cryptocurrency. That's my thing.". "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. . . Adding Nakobe Dean to a weekend that already included Jordan Davis, Cam Jurgens . "Growing up nobody pushed sports to me, nobody," he explains. One prospect who could be the perfect fit in Foxboro is Georgia's Nakobe Dean. So, what else does Dean bring to the table? That's certainly new, or at least different. "They were community service kids," she says. "You gotta be committed and you gotta do it selflessly.". When Horn Lake made it to the state title game that season, Dean was reading opponents' plays to perfection. David Gattie, a professor from @UGA_Engineering, because above all else, Dean wants to be an engineer. To make prosthetic limbs for veterans in need. 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. Dean, a junior linebacker, is a star on the nation's top defense, one which is preparing to play Alabama for a national championship on Monday. It was a unique situation where you felt like he could handle the cerebral piece as well as whats on paper, but it also translated to the field because hes very instinctual. Forget his 40-time and bench press. "You had police pulling Black people over for no reason," she says. For players like Dean, NIL has added another dimension to their college experience. The jump from no compensation to millions was, at times, a culture shock. Neketta once organized a 5K run aimed at bringing together police and first responders and the local high school football team, which Dean was a part of. It's not necessarily going to be a 'phewww, I finally did it' type thing, but more for me like 'okay, now it's time to get to work'.". Nakobe Dean (17) LB - *** 2021 Butkus Award Winner *** *** All-America First Team - Associated Press, Walter Camp, AFCA, Sporting News, USA Today, ESP. I feel like I bring that winning mentality and that leadership to whatever team, and that passion and that energy that I play with.". "I didn't think the safety would remember that was coming," Dean told Boyette. You work to the end, we saw all the hard work we put in work out.". Then you decompress, watch film, and then, you have to go do something hard like that math. * 2.0 QB Sacks vs. Clemson, 2021 >> Subscribe to Sports Spectrum Magazine for more stories where sports and faith connect <<. It started first with a few deals before the season, then, after Georgia beat Clemson, there were more offers. 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. Now, though, Dean can do all of those things and actually start and help fund internships for student-athletes right away, while also discussing the possibility of investing in the company in the near future. They would volunteer at the homeless shelters and partake in community cleanups or, in the case of Dean, volunteer at the local youth football program when he was in high school. ", Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player. Here's how the other top 15 fared. To watch him play football is to understand that though the grass under his feet is the same as his opponents, and even his teammates, he is operating on a different plane altogether. Dean has been quizzed on both a lot. . He was discussing his future plans, including a desire to possibly pursue a medical career after he goes back to school to complete his engineering degree. The latest Eagles news straight to your inbox! Without Him, none of this would have been possible. #FlyEaglesFly . Anytime somebody asks me that I kind of just talk about the passion I have for the game. It was kind of my thing. Become a member of DawgsHQ today. Joined Dec 31, 2020 Messages 3,637 Reactions 23,611 5,537 2,839 Alleybux 1,004,023,593 Today at 9:47 AM #1 Smart, strong and handsome! "I feel like my mindset is second to none, unmatched. 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. He didnt love the chemistry class he took, so he decided on mechanical engineering: I was interested in prosthetics, how they work and the design of them, so I just stuck to that.. For Dean and his mother, this meant getting in touch with an agency that understood their plan and motivation. FA Cup QFs: Kompany returns to Man City with Burnley, Grimsby at Brighton, Fury calls for Paul to honour deal | Pay up!, Toney 'shocked and disappointed' over six-month ban claims. UGA football's Nakobe Dean receives NFL player comparisons Share this article James Morgan Dean has impressive instincts, football intelligence and is extremely fast. Check out the latestepisode of theNext Pats Podcaston the NBC Sports Boston Podcast Network, orwatch on YouTubebelow: Georgia LB Nakobe Dean explains why he'd thrive with Patriots. And listen to the DawgsHQ crew on our podcast Dawg Walk Talk onSpotifyandApple Podcasts. @NakobeDean decided to to study engineering in college after visiting VA hospitals with his mother, who is a veteran. He still has a desire to finish it - and maybe even pre-med - for all the right reasons. 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. Daily Devotional: Tuesday, February 28 - How Bright Do You Shine? "So if he's going to have to pay most of the NIL money back, why not use it to give in a different way?". The day of the watch party, while Dean was busy with practice and film sessions, Neketta was cooking up her own plan, trying to figure out how they could squeeze every bit out of their resources. Without any structured oversight from the NCAA and loose restrictions varying from state to state, the world of NIL has become, in the words of one marketing agent, the Wild West. Dean has been recognized for his performance as a Butkus Award semifinalist and a midseason All-American by ESPN and CBS Sports. He finished with four tackles Monday night, after leading the team in tackles (68) and sacks (six) for the season. The 21-year-old said he is two semesters away, about 33 more credit hours, from getting his degree. I faced a lot of adversity from an academic standpoint there are a lot of goals that I set that I wasnt able to attain, but it does nothing but make me stronger., Dean arrived at Georgia wanting to become a doctor but also had a strong interest in pursuing mechanical engineering. Preparing for an SEC opponent like Kentucky or Florida the same week as an engineering test gives me a headache just thinking about it. Dean was a five-star recruit out of Horn Lake High School in Horn Lake, Mississippi. We just want to walk through these good things that God has provided for us and were not going to do it with any pride or boasting or those things. But on Monday night, the Bulldogs held the Tide to just 399 total yards and only 30 rushing yards. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel), mechanical engineering student with a 4.0 GPA, Alabama QB Bryce Young wins Heisman, thanks his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Clemson QB D.J. The most important? * 15 Tackles vs. Florida, 2020 Dean, a mechanical engineering major with a 3.5 GPA, was the first name mentioned when I asked one coach what was the most impressive interview hed done at the combine. To nearly every community event she worked, she brought her kids. He has lived both sides of the. Stroud keeps God first as he leads Ohio State. He sees that part of his skill set translating to the gridiron. 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. The Georgia Bulldogs have offered a scholarship to standout LB Carter Jones. "None of this would have been possible or as impactful without the five to 10 NIL deals he has," Neketta says. "I feel like we're going to be happy for each other because we know each other," said Dean. As a senior, Dean racked up 175 tackles, seven sacks, three interceptions, and scored nine touchdowns at running back. "I know. Dean said slipping to the third round is something that will always stick with him during his playing career. Regardless, he knows it it just the start. Through Neketta's experience and their planning, the Deans have been able to establish a synergy between the NIL deals and the things they want to do with the money. I suspect it'll be pretty high. - How Bright do you Shine the same week as an engineering test gives a! Been something near and dear to me other, '' Dean told Boyette college after visiting VA hospitals his! Few hours before the season, then, after Georgia beat Clemson, there were offers... Coach ( Glenn ) Schumann Award semifinalist and a midseason All-American by and. 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