Georgia defensive back Smoke Bouie was once a highly touted Bulldog commit in the 2022 recruiting class before the Bainbridge, Georgia, native decided to play for Texas A&M.
Bouie (5-foot-11, 180 pounds) spent one season in College Station, appearing in seven games. At one point, he was suspended for violating team rules.
Now in Athens, Bouie has an opportunity to work with some of the top defensive minds in college football and contribute to the back-to-back national champions.
According to teammates, Bouie has the drive it takes to compete in the star-studded defense.
“Smoke (Bouie) is also one of those guys that’s just hungry, you know, coming in from a different school,” defensive back Kamari Lassiter said. “It’s kind of tough, you know, coming into a different environment because you don’t really know anybody. He’s gelled pretty well with us. He’s one of those guys that he just wants to get better every day.”
The Bulldogs are looking for players to step up in the secondary after the departure of cornerback Kelee Ringo and safety Christopher Smith to the 2023 NFL draft.
“Very, very handsy player,” defensive back Javon Bullard said of Bouie. “I love watching him play. He gets hands on receivers, very physical at the point of attack. Very quick and agile. He moves well. I think he’s going to make a great fit for our team.”