Nov 12, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jacob Eason (10) drops back to pass against the Auburn Tigers during the first quarter at Sanford Stadium. Photo Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
There won’t be a quarterback competition when Georgia opens fall camp next month as coach Kirby Smart officially named sophomore Jacob Eason the starter on Tuesday.
Eason was pushed in spring drills by incoming freshman Jake Fromm but Smart stomped out any controversy with the announcement during SEC media festivities at Hoover, Ala.
“Jacob Eason is our starter going into the season. Jake Fromm’s got to do something to beat him out,” Smart said. “Very similar to a lot of positions. You’ve got to beat them out. But we’re very excited about both of them. Including Brice (Ramsey), we have three talented players.”
Eason passed for 2,430 yards and 16 touchdowns against eight interceptions last season.
The highly regarded Fromm was rated the No. 3 quarterback prospect nationally by 247Sports.com and rivals.com last season. He passed for 277 yards and two touchdowns in Georgia’s spring game to increase speculation that he narrowed the gap.
But it wasn’t enough for Smart to transition away from Eason as the starter.
“Will Jake Fromm push Jacob Eason? Yeah, he already has,” Smart said. “I think he’s made Jacob respect the game and understand the importance of knowing the ins and outs of every play. Jake does that.”
Ramsey, the No. 3 quarterback, has 582 career passing yards and four touchdowns. The senior actually decided to transfer from Georgia in March before returning to the program in June.
