Georgia's Roquan Smith declares for NFL draft after Butkus-winning season

One of college football's most explosive defensive players is heading to the NFL.

The dream of playing professional football is now that much closer for Roquan Smith, as the Georgia linebacker and Butkus Award winner announced Monday he will forgo his senior season and enter the 2018 NFL Draft, per Jill Martin from CNN.

"The decision to leave is not easy but I know it is the right one," Smith said. "Georgia will always be my school and my home and I sincerely wish all the best to the coaches, staff, and players as they continue to reach higher goals in the years to come."

Related: Georgia's Roquan Smith takes home Butkus Award as top linebacker

Smith made his name as a premier threat on defense this season for the Bulldogs, recording a whopping 137 tackles and 6.5 sacks. He's an almost unquestioned first-round prospect, and it's possible Smith could hear his name called in the early stages of April's draft.