Georgia remains hush on starting QB for opener

Georgia quarterback D'Wan Mathis throw a pass during the team's first scheduled NCAA college football practice Friday, Aug. 2, 2019, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

FAYETTEVILLE — Georgia coach Kirby Smart is not tipping his hand as to who will start at quarterback in Saturday’s season opener against Arkansas.

Arkansas coach Sam Pittman, who is entering the first game of his head coaching career against his former team, isn’t expecting anyone to truly know who it will be until he runs onto the field for the first series of the game. Pittman has had no conversations with Smart in that regard.

“I think you’re guessing as much as we are,” Pittman joked Monday in his press conference previewing the game. “(Not publicly naming a starter is) Kirby’s belief and that’s what it should be. If that’s what he believes, that’s what it should be.”

When preseason practices began, it appeared former Wake Forest quarterback Jamie Newman would lead the Georgia offense and replace Jake Fromm, who led the Bulldogs to 36 wins and three division titles as a starter. Newman passed for more than 3,900 yards and 35 touchdowns with the Demon Deacons.

But on Sept. 2 he opted out of the 2020 season because of covid-19-related concerns. Newman wrote in his announcement on Twitter that he would begin training for the 2021 NFL Draft.

The decision raised a few eyebrows and left the Georgia quarterback situation a bit up in the air. But solid options remained for offensive coordinator Todd Monken in D’Wan Mathis and J.T. Daniels, a transfer from Southern Cal.

“Was I surprised about the opt out? Yeah, a little bit, but Georgia's got some good quarterbacks,” Pittman said. “I think they're loaded enough to where it won't bother them too much. I understand the opt out and the reasons and all those things.

“But they're still loaded with at least two really good quarterbacks.”

Mathis’ path to potential starter for the Bulldogs is rather remarkable. Last spring, headaches and sinus pain nagged the quarterback. Following checkups and X-rays, doctors found a brain cyst that required Mathis to undergo emergency surgery.

Pittman said he does not particularly want to face Mathis because he brings valuable traits to the Bulldogs' offense. At the same time, he would be excited for Mathis if he does play.

“We know what kind of arm he has,” Pittman said. “But he would be maybe a little bit more of a dual threat because he certainly can run. He can actually fly. He’s come a long way.

“I’m certainly thrilled that he has been cleared and is ready to get his football career back on course. He's a wonderful kid.”

Daniels' performance in USC's game against Fresno State last season gives an idea of what he brings to the table. He completed 25 of 34 passes for 215 yards before suffering a season-ending knee injury in the third quarter.

Daniels can do anything he wants with the football, Pittman said, noting his arm is like that of a shortstop or right fielder in baseball. Smart is hopeful Daniels will be medically cleared to play on Saturday. Daniels has been practicing.

When asked about his quarterback situation Monday, Smart kept his cards close to his vest, stating that he was excited about each player in the room. That also includes Stetson Bennett and Carson Beck.

“They have all done a good job,” Smart said. “They have all taken reps. (They) have all done a good job, and I am excited to see those guys go out and play."