Georgia freshman quarterback Justin Fields is considering a transfer from Athens, according to a report from ESPN.com that surfaced on Monday night. Fields, a former five-star recruit who was the No. 1 player in the ESPN 300, will consider all options rather than settling for two seasons behind Jake Fromm with the Bulldogs.
But while Fields is considering the transfer, he could still decide to return to Georgia.
“[Fields transferring] is a possibility, but we expect him to play in the Sugar Bowl,” a source told ESPN. “It’s not done. He practiced [Monday] and practiced his ass off. He’s going to explore what’s out there. He might come back.”
Fields is still expected to play in the Allstate Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day. The No. 5 Bulldogs are set to take on the No. 15 Texas Longhorns.
Video has surfaced online that shows Fields expressing his frustration with his role in the offense.
Justin Fields.. clearly frustrated with his role at times this season.
Here.. following UGA’s 41-17 win over South Carolina..
“I handed the ball off good as f*#k…I didn’t do s*#t bro)
(Explicit language⬇️) pic.twitter.com/ahNzsTmzg9
— Zach Klein (@ZachKleinWSB) December 18, 2018
If Fields does move on from Georgia, Florida State, Ohio State, and Oklahoma are considered the top options. A report from the Toledo Blade, meanwhile, indicates that Ohio State should be considered the favorite to land the dual-threat quarterback thanks in large part to offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Ryan Day.
Sources: Ohio State is the front-runner to land Georgia quarterback Justin Fields. Ryan Day is a primary reason for the former five-star's interest in the Buckeyes. https://t.co/NRL8X4A6Vz pic.twitter.com/rtAHcsCWYu
— Kyle Rowland (@KyleRowland) December 18, 2018
The report states:
The true freshman backup at Georgia has alerted coach Kirby Smart of his intent to transfer. Ohio State coach Ryan Day is a primary reason for Fields’ interest in the Buckeyes. Fields, who will be the most coveted free agent in college football, is also considering Florida State and Oklahoma. He intends to petition the NCAA for immediate eligibility.
UGASports.com reported that Fields is expected to retain Tom Mars, the attorney who helped Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson gain immediate eligibility. Mars has become a transfer whisperer, winning several waiver cases in 2018.
It will be interesting to see what Fields’ final decision turns out to be.
In the meantime, it’s business as usual for the quarterback and the Bulldogs as they prepare for the Longhorns. Kickoff on New Year’s Day at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome is set for 8:45 p.m. ET on ESPN.
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