D’Wan Mathis has overcome a lot to potentially become Georgia’s starting quarterback this fall. Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman knows, because he was on the Bulldogs’ staff from 2016-19 and saw it all unfold.

Last year, Mathis underwent emergency surgery to remove a cyst on his brain. He had been dealing with sinus issues, and when he got checked, the cyst on his brain was discovered. Earlier this year, he was cleared to return to play after undergoing an MRI.

Now, it’s possible that Mathis, a redshirt freshman, will be Georgia’s starting quarterback for its season opener at Arkansas on Saturday, which will also be Pittman’s debut as Razorbacks head coach. And the former Bulldogs assistant is ready to potentially face Mathis.

“To be honest with you guys, I’m really excited if he plays against us,” Pittman told the media, including Anthony Dasher of UGASports.com. “I’m excited for him because he had surgery that might not have allowed him to play. He’s come a long way.”

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart has yet to announce his starting quarterback for Saturday’s game. In addition to Mathis, the Bulldogs have redshirt sophomore JT Daniels, who transferred from USC and is another possible option.  Earlier this month, redshirt senior Jamie Newman, who may have been the starter, opted out of the season.

If Mathis ends up starting and taking his first college snaps, it will be another great chapter in his remarkable journey back.

Georgia and Arkansas are set to kick off the season Saturday at 4 p.m. ET on SEC Network.