Kirby Smart: Challenge from Jake Fromm benefitting Jacob Eason
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Big things are expected from UGA QB Jacob Eason in his second year on campus. The former 5-star prospect enrolled early last year and eventually won the starting job, taking over in Week 2 and never looking back.
With 12 starts under his belt, Eason is expected to be more mature and better prepared for playing against SEC defenses. If you believe the word out of Athens – and not everyone does – he’s competing early enrollee Jake Fromm for the starting job in 2017.
Eason called it a healthy competition when he met with the media earlier in the week.
“There’s always going to be competition, no matter who’s there,” Eason said. “I feel like Jake is coming in, he’s a great kid like I said before, I’m looking forward to the next couple of years with him.”
On Saturday, coach Kirby Smart said the “challenge” from Fromm is benefitting the returning starter.
“”(Eason is) more confident in the pocket. He’s more confident in the protections,” Smart said according to Jake Rowe of Dawgs247. “His decision making is better and his accuracy has been better. But he’s getting challenged because the other guy did well, too. Jake Fromm did well.”
Smart has already seen both quarterbacks improve during spring practice.
“I do think offensively Jacob and Jake both are more comfortable throwing the ball,” Smart said. “I know Jacob is in a better spot right now than he was this time last year. But we’ve got to continue to grow him as a passer. He’s got to develop in protections and we’ve got to get some wideouts that can win one-on-one and help him.”
On the 247Sports Composite, a fifth star eluded Fromm, but the Warner Robins, Ga. product was rated the No. 3 pro-style prospect of this year’s class. Eason was the No. 1 pro-style prospect of the 2016 class.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
