CBS SPORTS – Georgia quarterback Justin Fields will transfer from the program after just one season, according to a report from USA Today. The report cited an unnamed source close to the situation as neither Fields nor the school has made an announcement on his current status with the team. Though there are some discrepancies as to where Fields stands in his decision-making process, the AP also reports that Fields has informed the Bulldogs of his plan to leave.
ESPN reported that Fields is exploring a transfer but is expected to remain with the team through the Sugar Bowl with a source calling his departure from the program “a possibility” after he explores his options. “He might come back,” the source told ESPN, though it was reported that Ohio State, Florida State and Oklahoma are under consideration as transfer destinations.
One potential way to wade threw the differing reports is that Fields has told Georgia coaches of his plans but has not formally filed the transfer paperwork. Therefore, he could potentially play in the Sugar Bowl and then announce his transfer afterwards.
As an underclassman, Fields would have to sit out a year in residence and would not be eligible to play until 2020, per NCAA rules, unless he received a waiver.
Fields was the prized recruit in Georgia’s 2018 recruiting class. The 6-foot-3, 221-pound native of Kennesaw, Georgia, was the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback prospect and No. 2 signal caller overall behind current Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence, according to the 247Sports Composite. He saw action in 12 games as a true freshman with the Bulldogs, serving as sophomore Jake Fromm’s primary backup and as a change of pace quarterback. He threw for 328 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for 266 yards and four touchdowns.
Justin Fields: I'm transferring.
James Franklin: pic.twitter.com/3vulBXDDuD
— Onward State (@OnwardState) December 18, 2018
Ooo how the tides have turned. Fields, once committed to Penn State, isn’t happy with his situation at Georgia. Now he’ll be a highly sought transfer by many CFB programs who need a quarterback (Oklahoma, Ohio State). There could be a strong case for Fields to play immediately elsewhere. Of course, the communist NCAA could say no, and he’ll need to sit a year.
Had Fields stayed committed to Happy Valley, he would have seen more time on the field. Even with stud QB McSorley on the field, he could have been used in the “Lion” position over Tommy Stevens.
I’ll gladly accept Fields back to Penn State. He can easily start over Tommy Stevens. Nothing against Stevens, great quarterback, but Justin Fields is way better and will fit like a glove in Penn State’s offense.
Do the right thing Justin..