Nakobe Dean probably stood on the field at SoFi Stadium and had massive memories of this time a year ago when confetti was falling on him after winning the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship Game over Alabama.
This time, however, the Philadelphia Eagles linebacker was rooting for his former teammates, who set a new record for the most points scored in a national championship in their blowout 65-7 victory.
Winning back-to-back titles in college football is a rare feat, which is why Dean believes the Bulldogs are the new dynasty in the game.
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«I’d like to think so,» he told Fox News Digital on the field at SoFi Stadium. «However, I am a bit biased, being my school [and] be where i played I’d love to think so.»
Dean was a defensive playmaker for the Bulldogs last season, and he played that role all the way to keep Bryce Young from moving the ball and allowing Stetson Bennett to lead the Bulldogs to victory.
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Bennett had a lot of trouble finding offense in this game. He was responsible for six total touchdowns, four through the air and two on the ground, as he finally received a curtain call from head coach Kirby Smart just as the fourth quarter began.
«It’s great. It’s great to see my brothers that I played with, go to college and come here and win again. It’s about them,» Dean said.
Of course, Georgia still plays in the SEC, which has been ruled by Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide for quite some time. But after defeating them in the national title game last season, and then going undefeated this year, Dean doesn’t want to hear the comparisons.
«It’s not a new Alabama. It’s a first for Georgia,» he said. «That’s what they do. Go Dawgs!»
In that victory over Alabama last year to win it all, Dean had four total tackles and one pass defensed. His impressive junior season saw six sacks, 10.5 tackles for loss, 72 combined tackles and two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown.
Dean was said to be a high draft pick, but teams were reportedly concerned about his 5-foot-11, 229-pound size, which is not the prototypical measurements for NFL linebackers. He also chose not to have pectoral surgery.
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The Eagles would eventually select him in the third round (83rd overall), and Dean has been playing in a reserve role for the NFC’s best team this season.
Without a playoff game this week due to the Eagles bye, it was the perfect time for Dean to experience another national title game, this time from the stands.
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He and the rest of Athens, Georgia, loved the result.