2023 is going to be a big year for Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Naboke Dean. The 2022 third-round draft pick was mostly a special teams contributor as a rookie, playing 75 percent of the snaps there compared to only three percent on defense. But, his role is set to grow immensely this season.

With linebackers T.J. Edwards and Kyzir White departing in free agency, there is a huge void in the Eagles’ defense that needs to be filled. Nakobe Dean is expected to fill one of those spots as the team has big aspirations for him.

While the former Bulldog is assuredly going to do everything he can to live up to the expectations that have been set for him, football isn’t the only passion that Nakobe Dean has. In fact, he spends nearly as much time focusing on his studies as he does on the football field.

According to NFL Rookie Watch on Twitter, Nakobe Dean has been working toward earning his mechanical engineering degree from Georgia despite becoming a starting linebacker for the Eagles. Right after meetings conclude, he is back on his laptop doing work for school.

How seriously does Nakobe Dean take his studies? He was reportedly on the phone with the AADA of Georgia figuring out what kind of calculator he needed for class shortly after helping the team win the NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers.

This spring, Nakobe Dean was taking classes at Georgia and was able to maintain a 3.55 GPA despite his obligations to the Eagles and preparing for his new role. While he wants to become a successful player on the field, his biggest goals are after his playing days. He hopes to be able to own a business that builds and designs prosthetics.

Having a plan for after football is very important. Too many players don’t handle business off the field during their careers, leaving them in a tough spot once they can’t play the sport any longer. That shouldn’t be an issue for Nakobe Dean, who has a clear plan for what he wants to do once his playing days are over.