By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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Georgia’s addition of Jamie Newman is a game-changer.

The addition of graduate-transfer quarterback Jamie Newman gives Georgia one of the premier quarterbacks in all of college football.

Previously a star at Wake Forest, helping to lead the Demon Deacons to a 5-0 start and a spot in the national polls, Newman was clearly one of the ACC’s top signal callers in 2019. He ranked third in the league with 26 touchdown passes, leading a dynamic Wake Forest offense that ranked third in the conference with 464 total yards per game. Newman, earning the starting job in Winston-Salem in November of 2018, paced the Demon Deacons to eleven total wins in that span.

Newman is a versatile playmaker, an accomplished downfield passer who can also extended drives and be a factor in the redzone with his mobility. In addition to averaging 239 yards passing per game, Newman paced Wake Forest with six rushing touchdowns. He, in the opening month of this past season, had both a 400-yard game and a five-touchdown game through the air and a 100-yard rushing performance, all three contests resulting in wins for the Demon Deacons. Newman, in all, had ten multi-score games.

Georgia’s addition of Newman is a game-changer. The ACC’s penultimate producer with 286.8 yards per game last season, Newman, 2,868 passing yards and 574 rushing yards, is a versatile playmaker. He is one of the most accomplished returning quarterbacks in the game. Newman’s last home game in Winston-Salem, for example, came with 39 points, 428 yards of total offense and a touchdown both through the air and on the ground.

The passing proficiency and mobility Newman has will give offensive coordinator James Coley options. In addition to being a proficient downfield passer, with George Pickens leading an impressive collection of talent on the perimeter, Newman had two 100-yard rushing outings in his last eight games, both in ACC play. Newman can be utilized in the read-option game with the likes of Zamir White and James Cook, a scheme athletic tight end Tre McKitty, a Florida State-transfer, may also fit into effectively as well.

Newman’s arrival coincides with considerable offensive attrition at Georgia. His abilities are set to become the centerpiece of a somewhat new-look brand for the Bulldogs. Though Jake Fromm, one of Georgia’s all-time great signal callers, leaves a tremendous legacy behind, along with big shoes to fill, Newman just might be part of an offense poised for more big plays this fall. He will be a key part of that potential expansion. There is a newness to Newman that goes beyond just his name.

Expect an offensive reset in Athens. Newman will be the catalyst.

Already an NFL prospect, Newman is the prototype under center. He is big and strong, efficient and athletic; above all else, he is a winner. Newman will step onto a bigger stage at Georgia, but he has proven ready for every opportunity to date. Him entering the transfer portal was an example of Newman betting on himself. That confidence and conviction will only make the Bulldogs better. His moxie is one made for the moment. Newman has the talent, perspective and experience to contend at Georgia.

Immediately, Newman becomes one of college football’s most high-profile and interesting quarterbacks. He, stepping in for Fromm, will be tasked with maintaining a status quo that, under the leadership of his predecessor, came with three consecutive trips to the SEC Championship Game and an appearance in the national championship game. The spotlight is already on. Before he ever takes a snap at Georgia, Newman will one of the most talked about players in the country.

As mentioned, the framework is in place. After leading the nation in scoring defense a season ago, the Bulldogs return multiple stars on that side of the football to a unit which could be even better in year two under coordinator Dan Lanning. The thought is that Georgia’s defense will be the nation’s best. There is considerable talent at receiver and running back, respectively, along with on the offensive line, where position coach Matt Luke has already made an impact. Though it’s early, the Bulldogs are regulars in pre-season top five polls for 2020.

Already, for Georgia, the expectations are there. Newman is a big part of that.