Kirby Smart pleased with Georgia QBs Jake Fromm, Justin Fields early in spring camp
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This time last year, most scoffed at the notion that Jake Fromm would push Jacob Eason during the offseason. While Eason did indeed eventually win the starting job and took the field for the season opener against Appalachian State, it didn’t take Fromm long to prove he was the right man for the job when Eason went down due to injury.
The true freshman played well beyond his years and seemingly got better with every snap he took. His performance forced Georgia to leave him in the starting lineup when Eason returned, which eventually lead to Eason’s transfer. Despite Fromm’s outstanding performance when it mattered most during Georgia’s astounding post-season run, many fans are eager to see what five-star signee Justin Fields can do in a Bulldog uniform.
Much like the last offseason, Kirby Smart isn’t ceding the job to any quarterback at this point. While Fromm is certainly the overwhelming favorite to start the season under center for the Sept. 1 season opener against Austin Peay, Georgia is letting the QBs battle it out this spring.
During his most recent media availability, Smart said both of his quarterbacks have impressed so far this spring.
“Obviously Jake (Fromm) has done a good job. He’s got command of the offense, and Justin (Fields) is picking it up very quick. Very bright,” Smart said during a post-practice press conference.
A followup question was asked comparing last season’s QB competition to this spring’s between Fromm and Fields. While Smart admits the two situations are unique, he was willing to admit Fields’ compares favorably to what he saw in Fromm this time last year.
“I think it’s a little different,” Smart said. “I think Jake obviously, played more games than Jacob (Eason) did, with the success we were able to have, getting the extra games. He’s picked up things well. And Justin is a very advanced quarterback, similar to how Jake was coming in. So those guys have done a good job picking it up. I’m extremely pleased with the leadership that both of them provide and also how they push the defense. I mean, Jake’s out there competing each day.’’
No matter how the situation plays out, it’s got to be comforting for Georgia fans that no player on the roster, even arguably the best returning player, is immune from being pushed this offseason in Athens.
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
