The pride of Macon County is earning the attention of college coaches as well as pro scouts everywhere.
If you have watched any Georgia football game this year, you have definitely seen number 3 swarming to the ball, and laying big hit after big hit.
Roquan Smith is leading the stout Georgia defense with 62 solo tackles and 100 total tackled and the junior's electric play has clearly gained the attention at the national level, placing him as a finalist for two awards, the Bednarik and Butkus awards given to the best defensive player and linebacker respectively in college football.
And while he started capturing eyes of the nation this year, friends and family always held their gaze from when he first left Montezuma.
"It speaks volume knowing the energy and the time and the effort that he has put in, and where he came from to where he is now its just amazing." Marcel Jackson said.
"We are proud of what he is doing at Georgia, he is making good plays and good moves and he is one of the top linebackers in the nation and we expected that from Roquan," Macon County offensive tackle Christian Meadows said.
Roquan cemented his legacy in Montezuma even before he played football between the hedges… He was Macon County's first Under Armour All American, and made an effort to pass his knowledge down his teammates.
"Oh man, every time at practice whenever I was against him, he would always put on a show with me. Me being a freshman would put all fancy moves on me he welcomed me to the team the way you should be, " Macon County senior Daniel Yanez said.
Even though he's no longer playing football for the Macon County Bulldogs, he is still teaching them lessons on and off the field.
" I have somebody to look up to. Set my goal to be a college football player," Macon County senior offensive lineman Christopher Leggett said.
"A lot of people have taken strides to go on that same path same direction to try and make it as big as he has. He has honestly put on a spark in everybody's heart to make the best of what they have," Yanez said.
And as far the community, their support for number three has never been stronger.
"He has been a breath of fresh air for this community. Everyone is rallying behind him. If you don't like Roquan Smith, something is wrong," Jackson said.
Regardless of what the score says on Saturday, Roquan will always be a big hit in Montezuma.
