And then there were three.
Jacob Park, the Georgia Bulldogs uber-talented pro-style quarterback recruit from the 2014 class, is reportedly transferring out of Athens, though no official word has come from the University of Georgia. With the addition of transfer Greyson Lambert to Georgia’s quarterback roster last week, it was seemingly only a matter of time before either junior Faton Bauta or Park made the jump.
Park, a redshirt freshman out of Goose Creek, South Carolina, entered this season with the hopes of taking over under center for the Bulldogs in 2015. After struggling to gain ground on Bauta and redshirt sophomore Brice Ramsey in spring practices, Park was likely looking at third string for the upcoming season. With the addition of Lambert, it seems unlikely that he would see significant playing time as a Bulldog.
If the reports of Park’s departure are true, let’s take a look at some potential landing spots:
Colorado State
Though Colorado State has four quarterbacks on the roster, it is important to remember that head coach Mike Bobo recruited Jacob Park to Georgia when he was the team’s offensive coordinator. There was already some mumbling when Bobo left UGA that Jacob Park may consider a move as well, and it only makes more sense now. Bobo has a lot of faith in Park, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see him on the field as a Colorado State Ram when he is eligible in 2016.
Virginia Tech
When Jacob Park came to Athens in June 2013 for the Mark Richt Camp, many close to Park and his recruitment expected him to attend Virginia Tech. Following the trip to Athens, it was all Georgia. The Hokies have struggled mightily at the quarterback position over the past several years, and they would surely welcome a talented, pro-style signal caller to the roster–especially one with multiple years of eligibility. The Virginia Tech quarterback battle is a bit crowded currently, but they may want to add some more talent to the mix for 2016.
North Carolina
Jacob Park is from South Carolina. North Carolina would offer an option relatively close to home in an increasingly competitive Atlantic Coast Conference. UNC was one of the schools recruiting Park, and they could be looking to add a confident quarterback to help bring them from average to great in the ACC. Two straight 4-4 seasons in the Coastal Division is not exactly what the Tar Heels are looking for. Perhaps Jacob Park could be the answer.
Notre Dame
When Everett Gholson left Notre Dame, rumors swirled around that Georgia had strong interest in him. With Gholson transferring to Florida State, Jacob Park could find a new home in South Bend. Though Notre Dame is currently running a more dual-threat offense with junior Malik Zaire at quarterback, it is hard to imagine that head coach Brian Kelly would balk at the idea of bringing in a strong, pro-style option at the position, especially with a redshirt freshman and true freshman as Zaire’s main backups. One other thing is that Notre Dame was also one of the schools that recruited Park out of high school.
It’s all speculation right now, especially with no confirmed report of Jacob Park’s departure, but it is expected that he’ll make an impact wherever he ends up. Park’s tenure at Georgia was over before it even started, but best of luck to the kid wherever he ends up.
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