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2021 NFL Draft: Jamie Newman opts out of 2020 college football season

By Sam Penix

WINSTON SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 30: Jamie Newman #12 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons against the Utah State Aggies during their game at BB&T Field on August 30, 2019 in Winston Salem, North Carolina. Wake Forest won 38-35. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
WINSTON SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 30: Jamie Newman #12 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons against the Utah State Aggies during their game at BB&T Field on August 30, 2019 in Winston Salem, North Carolina. Wake Forest won 38-35. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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Jamie Newman is off to the 2021 NFL Draft

According to multiple outlets (and via Newman’s personal Twitter), Georgia quarterback Jamie Newman has decided to opt out of the 2020 college football season due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic. A graduate transfer from Wake Forest, Newman was set to start for the Bulldogs over fellow transfer JT Daniels, and was potentially in position to put himself into first-round discussion.

Newman stands 6-4 230 pounds with good mobility and a strong arm. In 2019 for the Demon Deacons, Newman completed 220 of 361 passes for 2,868 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He also added 574 yards and six scores on the ground.

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In a class where Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, and Trey Lance are all but top-10 locks, Newman had an opportunity to make a huge jump. Under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken, Newman would have been exposed to a more complicated NFL-style offense, and the Bulldogs were to be National Championship contenders.

Instead, Newman will prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft, and his stock for next April becomes very interesting. His has plenty of physical talent, but without a track record of great performance against top competition, it’s unlikely a franchise will be willing to risk a high pick on Newman. This isn’t a Jalen Hurts situation either; at this point, Newman would likely be a late third or early fourth-round selection. The Senior Bowl will be a fulcrum for his stock, although it’s unclear how much he’ll be able to change evaluators’ minds in one week.

Daniels is now the de facto starter for Georgia, although he has yet to be cleared for contact as he recovers from a knee injury suffered in last year’s season opener for the USC Trojans. Daniels was a five-star recruit, but doesn’t appear to be the talent that Newman is.

Related Story. Georgia Football: Jamie Newman likely starter with 2021 NFL Draft next. light

In a draft cycle like none other, Newman presents a very polarizing decision for scouts. It’s a shame we won’t get to watch him play in the SEC this year, but there’s no doubt he’ll get the chance to play on Sundays.

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