Jamie Newman was a hot topic this offseason. There were some draft analysts who thought Newman could be a top-50 selection, while others thought he was barely draftable at all. He made the decision to transfer from Wake Forest and is now Jamie Newman of Georgia. The Bulldogs lost their long-time starter and school legend Jake Fromm to the NFL this year, and they have 2021 top high school recruit Brock Vandagriff waiting to make his way on campus. However, until that time, Jamie Newman will be the man leading the charge for Georgia.
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When at Wake Forest, Newman displayed a physical skill set that looked the part of a top NFL prospect. However, a lack of consistency and mental processing kept him from realizing his potential. At Georgia, Newman could look to develop into a more polished prospect and cement himself as the 2021 class’ #3 QB prospect.
Before Georgia
As a high school prospect, Newman was not heavily recruited by major programs. He chose Wake Forest over schools like NC State, Vanderbilt, and West Virginia. He displayed an above-average arm and strong athletic ability in his time at Graham High School. In his first two seasons at Wake Forest, Newman was kept in a reserve role, learning and developing his skills.
In his third season, Newman started the season as the backup quarterback. In Week 5, he made his first start after the Demon Deacons starting quarterback Sam Hartman broke his leg against Syracuse. Facing up against #14-ranked NC State, Newman led Wake Forest to one of the most thrilling come-from-behind victories in college football that year. He would lead the team to a 3-1 record in his four starts, showcasing his ability as both a passer and a runner. He accounted for four touchdowns in the team’s win over Memphis in the Birmingham Bowl.
Last year, Newman became the starter in his fourth year, where he led Wake Forest to a 7-5 record. He accounted for 45 touchdowns and nearly 5,000 yards while leading his team to their fourth straight bowl game. Unfortunately, after starting the season 5-0, the Demon Deacons lost five of their last seven. After losing to Michigan State in the Pinstripe Bowl, Newman had a decision to make: Declare for the NFL Draft or look to become a graduate transfer. He chose the latter and is now Georgia’s signal-caller.
Why Georgia for Jamie Newman?
After losing Fromm, Georgia was heavily involved in the graduate transfer market, as nobody on their roster could lead the team to a potential national championship in 2021, which is the expectation for the Bulldogs. Newman was the most qualified and arguably the most talented passer available through transfers, and thus found himself landing in Athens.
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Georgia has talent all along the roster, and they’re a team that will always be in contention for a bid in the SEC championship game. That also means they’re always going to be in contention for a spot in the College Football Playoffs. Newman will be playing with a team that consistently produces NFL quality linemen, running backs, and wide receivers. George Pickens looks like the next great SEC receiver, and former number one running back prospect Zamir White should add dynamism as well. Adding Newman, you have a very talented trio. Newman’s running ability should also help ease the load of an offensive line that will be adding multiple new starters.
Additionally, Georgia is proven to be able to develop quarterbacks and prepare them for the NFL. Fromm is one of the more pro-ready quarterback prospects in years. Newman struggles with consistency and pre-snap processes, so working in a pro-style offense at Georgia will be good for his development. If Newman can polish his game and show improvement above the shoulders, he could very well be the third quarterback taken in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Why Jamie Newman for Georgia?
Georgia’s initial plan for replacing Fromm was to have 5-star Justin Fields come in and take his place. However, when it came down to it, Georgia chose Fromm over Fields, and Fields moved on to Ohio State, where he was dominant in 2019. Now, Georgia must turn to former three-star prospect Newman to lead the way until Vandagriff can come in and be the next Georgia great.
Georgia is always in the mix to be the SEC champions. However, with a lack of a starting quarterback, it would have been hard to achieve that title. The coaching staff decided that Newman was the best option, and he decided the same. Now, looking forward, the Newman-led Georgia Bulldogs could be legitimate contenders for the SEC.
Overview
Jamie Newman had a choice between the NFL or developing his skills to be the best prospect possible. He chose to transfer to Georgia, a blue-chip program that desperately needed a one-year bridge quarterback to hold the gap between Fromm and Vandagriff. Newman has the physical tools to be a first-round quarterback, but can he refine his skills and develop into a more pro-ready prospect? Time will tell.