This time last year, Bulldog Nation was in an uproar over true freshman quarterback Jacob Eason and his limitless potential. After having a somewhat inconsistent debut for Georgia, which was to be expected from most sensible fans, many are eagerly anticipating what freshman quarterback Jake Fromm will show in the upcoming spring game.

Count Georgia head coach Kirby Smart among those wanting to see Fromm in action with an audience this spring. Smart wisely has pushed the narrative of a quarterback competition this spring but also took time out of his latest media appearance to note the improvements his sophomore quarterback has made since this time last year. With all the East expectations likely on Georgia’s shoulders this season, would it really be wise to turn the team over to another true freshman?

Based on Smart’s latest comments on Eason, the answer is pretty clear.

“He’s got a long way to go but he’s come a long way,” Smart said when asked about Eason Tuesday. “He understands the protection now, last year there were times he did, times he didn’t. There’s a lot on his plate. To manage that offense is challenging coming straight in from high school. I think he’s in a better place, he’s more confident, throwing the ball good, wideouts are catching it — I still think we have a ways to go at wideout to get where we need to go — but Jacob helps those guys out by putting the ball in some tight spots.”

As Smart noted, the team is still searching for answers at receiver this spring. During the Tuesday practice, Georgia tried sophomore athlete Mecole Hardman out exclusively with the receivers — although Smart said not to read too much into that move, as he will continue to play both ways for UGA.

Considering the offense’s issues at receiver and offensive line, the wise option would seem to be going with the quarterback that knows the system the best. That appears to be another area Eason has taken advantage of this spring.

“There are things that Jacob can handle now so we’re able to do a few more things, like being able to open things up to run the ball as well as throw the ball,” Smart said. “We’ve been able to give him some options to check into and out of things. If a guy can get you into a certain play that helps and he’s certainly more comfortable than he was at the end of the year last year.”

According to Smart, the spring game will give UGA fans a chance to see both quarterbacks in action, as the passing game will be featured yet again.

“We are going to let the quarterbacks play,” Smart said when asked how guarded his team will be in the Red and Black game. “Like last year, I don’t know how many times Jacob threw it, but I don’t remember running it ever. Maybe threw the ball every single play. There will be two-minute situations (for both quarterbacks).”

It will be interesting to see how both quarterbacks perform in the spring game and if one player separates himself from the other. While it’s likely in Georgia’s best interest to see Eason establish himself as the clear No. 1 guy, he’ll now have to prove it on the field with an eager, younger quarterback now on the roster nipping at his heels.

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