Georgia could be getting some help at the quarterback position this week as USC transfer JT Daniels will be medically cleared to play in this weekend's showdown with No. 7 Auburn.
Daniels, a former five-star prospect and first-year starter at USC, has been recovering from a season-ending knee injury sustained in the first game of the 2019 season. He transferred to Georgia this offseason and was granted immediate eligibility with the Bulldogs.
If Daniels is prepared to play – both physically and mentally – he could provide a much-needed boost to Georgia's quarterback room.
With Daniels sidelined for fall camp and Wake Forest graduate transfer Jamie Newman opting out of the season, Georgia tabbed former Ohio State commit Dwan Mathis as its day-one starter.
Mathis struggled on Saturday, going just 8 for 17 passing for 55 yards and an interception before he was replaced by junior Stetson Bennett, who finished 20-of-29 for 211 yards and two touchdowns.
Still, just because Daniels is cleared doesn't mean he will play, or is ready to play, according to Georgia head coach Kirby Smart.
“JT will be cleared, but I don’t know how much that changes the picture in terms of reps and development, ” Smart said. “We’ll be looking at everybody across the board. JT’s got to be able to show us that he can function efficiently and do it with his knee, being able to do it.”
Regardless of who lines up under center, Georgia will likely need a much better performance from its signal-caller on Saturday if it wants to escape with a win and keep its national title hopes alive.
