Georgia LB Nolan Smith breaks down at NFL scouting combine talking about death of Devin Willock

INDIANAPOLIS – Former Georgia linebacker Nolan Smith was a font of enthusiasm and effervescence Wednesday morning at the NFL's annual scouting combine, gushing about his Bulldogs teammates and his own prospects as a potential first-round draft pick.

But it only took one question to completely change his demeanor and reduce him to tears.

"This is the first time I'm talking about it," Smith said when asked about the fatal car crash that killed Georgia teammate Devin Willock just days after the Dawgs won their second consecutive national championship.

"That's my guy," Smith said, his lip quivering. "I get sensitive talking about it just because I love him. And he never did anything wrong in his three years. He was supposed to graduate. Most people don't know his brother passed like that.

"No one should deserve to die like that."

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Georgia recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy was also killed in the Jan. 15 accident.

Later in the morning, following Smith's interview, new details about Willock's death emerged. The Athens-Clarke County Police Department issued an arrest warrant for former Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter, considered a potential No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft, in connection with its investigation into the incident.

Police said in a news release that they are seeking to arrest Carter for reckless driving and racing. Carter and LeCroy were "operating their vehicles in a manner consistent with racing" prior to the crash, police said.

Smith, who's been preparing for the draft and recovering from a torn pectoral muscle that truncated his 2022 season, has not returned to Athens since Georgia dismantled TCU 65-7 on Jan. 9 to win the College Football Playoff. And it was apparent his focus had helped him compartmentalize the grief. 

Until Wednesday.

"Three years in a row, that man showed up (and) worked day in and day out. He's a two-time natty champ, man. And it's written in stone," Smith added, pounding his podium for emphasis and removing his glasses as the tears streamed down his face.

"Devin, I love you, baby. Seven-seven (Willock wore jersey No. 77), you living forever. 'Do it for Dev,' that's what I tell them boys at Georgia. 'You lost a brother. Do it for Dev.' I'm sorry to get emotional, man."

Smith was also asked about Carter's character, though not in the context of Willock's death.

“Man, I just want to go ahead and clear this up right now to y’all – J.C. is just misunderstood. He’s probably one of my favorite teammates to play with. 

"I love pass rushing with him. I just (love) being around him in the locker room. He’s just an amazing friend.”

For the balance of Smith's interview, he touted his other draft-eligible teammates and proclaimed himself largely recovered from the chest injury he suffered in a 42-20 defeat of Florida on Oct. 29.

Though he only had 12½ sacks in four seasons, the 6-3, 235-pound Smith relishes the occasional comparison to Buffalo Bills pass rusher Von Miller and tries to pattern his game after him. Smith plans to do all the on-field drills Thursday and will also run the 40-yard dash but will not do the bench press.

"I play football," he said. "I haven't done anything in a long time. I can't wait to showcase my talents."

But Willock will doubtless be on his mind.

"Most people think it's just a game, man – those are my brothers I go out there with," Smith said. "It's more than a game ... but, especially at Georgia, man, that connection piece is real."

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Follow USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis on Twitter @ByNateDavis.