JT Daniels or D’Wan Mathis? Georgia’s QB battle gets a reboot after Newman opt-out
Georgia didn’t hold practice on Tuesday, but the coaches had to adjust after receiving some unexpected news. Jamie Newman, the graduate transfer and probable starting quarterback from Wake Forest, walked into Kirby Smart’s office to share plans to opt out of the 2020 season and prepare for the upcoming NFL Draft.
Smart had no issues with the decision due to COVID-19 concerns. Newman will have access to team facilities and obtain his academic scholarship. Georgia is ready to “move forward,” but a sudden reboot of the quarterback competition became murky.
The quarterback room once had a surplus of riches. Georgia’s answers at the position are unclear after a second scrimmage Saturday afternoon at Sanford Stadium.
Smart indicated to reporters that one of the quarterbacks might have a strong play or series, then have a “bonehead play” following it.
“You want a guy to assume the lead and take the lead,” Smart said. “That hasn’t happened yet. Nobody has taken charge or taken over. I wish I could say that.”
Without Newman, the Bulldogs have a four-deep depth chart — JT Daniels, Stetson Bennett, D’Wan Mathis and Carson Beck. On Saturday, Daniels and Mathis ran a majority of Georgia’s 135-or-so plays with the first-team offense. Beck ran mostly with the second unit while Bennett grabbed hold of the third-team offense.
There are three weeks until Georgia’s Sept. 26 opener at Arkansas. Based on the current order, Daniels and Mathis could lead the quarterback competition without an evident No. 1.
Daniels, returning from a torn ACL suffered last season at Southern Cal, could be cleared for contact before the opener. Smart expects that to happen, with director of sports medicine Ron Courson having confidence in Daniels’ leg strength and recovery.
Mathis’ advantage is having plenty of scout-team reps throughout 2019. He has experience with playing against the first-team defense with a makeshift offensive line in front of him. Mathis got to “feel the rush,” as Smart put it, and is equipped for a chance to start for Georgia this season.
Mathis has been recovering from a brain cyst suffered last summer. He was cleared for full contact in May. Smart said the Bulldogs had to consult six NFL doctors to assess the healing of his skull after the injury and extensive surgery.
These setbacks, along with the protection of quarterbacks during a preseason practice period, make it tougher for Smart and his offensive staff to evaluate.
“You’re trying to find out what they can do,” Smart said. “We’re still in that stage. They don’t get better unless they get to (have reps). We’re in a growing stage, and we have a lot of preparation to get our offense in rhythm.”
There have been considerations to “make it live,” Smart said, and allow his quarterbacks to take contact. That would make it easier for the coaches to evaluate the ability to scramble. Without live action, there’s difficulty in deciphering whether a quarterback was sacked or could break a tackle.
Georgia offensive coordinator Todd Monken wants his quarterback to have an ability to move. He said a starter “can’t be a statue” with how college offenses operate. Smart indicated mobility in Daniels, Mathis and Beck. Mathis possesses the most mobility, but even Daniels has some while in a knee brace.
“You’re not getting a full exposure to what you’d like,” Smart said. “The only way you’re going to get that is a game.”
Georgia is behind in many facets. Smart indicated some highlights, but some disappointment became evident when speaking to reporters Saturday. His team is behind with sloppy moments. He didn’t see the usual “jump” in improvement from the first to second scrimmage.
At quarterback, it’s much of the same. The decision got even tougher with a late opt out. Georgia’s ultimate goal for a signal caller, however, hasn’t changed.
“You want them to move the offense and score points,” Smart said. “That’s easier said than done.”
This story was originally published September 5, 2020 at 4:55 PM.