According to multiple sources, Georgia Bulldogs graduate transfer quarterback Jamie Newman is opting-out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns. Newman is expected to continue training in preparation for the 2021 NFL Draft. The Wake Forrest transfer was considered by many to be the favorite for the starting job. Now, Georgia will be left looking to the rest of a loaded quarterback room for the starting quarterback.
Georgia Quarterback Jamie Newman Opting Out
The Remaining Options
The obvious next option at quarterback is the other transfer: JT Daniels. There is one major problem with Daniels. He has yet to be approved for contact following a torn ACL last season with the USC Trojans. Daniels brings more experience than the rest of the current quarterback room, having played significant minutes at a Power Five school. He has a good arm and the leadership ability to help the Bulldogs make a push for the playoffs. Daniels could potentially be cleared in the coming weeks. That would make leave him ready to start in the opener against the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Also in the conversation is redshirt freshman D’Wan Mathis. Mathis has reportedly been turning some heads during practices. He even had some of the Bulldogs defenders publicly supporting the young quarterback. He also has the advantage of being fully cleared to play already. Mathis is a more mobile quarterback than Daniels and seems to be loaded with talent. The biggest downside when it comes to Mathis is that we have only seen him compete against high school talent and in a single spring game. We do not know how good he will be against an SEC level defense, although the tape looks promising.
No matter which was Georgia decides to go, this is undoubtedly a loss for the Bulldogs. Even if Newman was not going to be the starter as he had hoped, you never want to lose an experienced player that can provide leadership in the locker room and depth at arguably the most important position on the football field.
