Greg McElroy has a big prediction for Georgia freshman quarterback Justin Fields.
On Monday, the SEC Network analyst appeared on The Paul Finebaum Show and said that Fields will take many meaningful snaps in 2018, even more than Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts, who finds himself in a competition with Tua Tagovailoa. McElroy’s statement came after he was asked which player between Fields, Hurts and Mississippi State quarterback Keytaon Thompson would receive the most meaningful snaps this year.
“I’m going to go with Justin Fields at Georgia,” McElroy said on the show. “And it’s because I think Justin Fields, albeit maybe not as the starting quarterback — I just think it’s going to be very difficult to unseat Jake Fromm — but I would be shocked, absolutely shocked, if Justin Fields, given his skill set, wasn’t used in that offense as a short-yardage back or as a guy that’s in there for the quarterback run game if they have both quarterbacks on the field at the same time.”
That’s an interesting thought from McEloy, and it will be fascinating to see if Georgia coach Kirby Smart finds a way for Fields to see significant time as part of the Bulldogs’ offense this season. It might be wise for him to do so.
The first impression from Fields during Georgia’s spring game was solid. On Saturday, he completed 18 of 33 passes for 207 yards with 1 touchdown and 1 interception. He’s only going to improve with more repetitions and experience.
We’ll find out soon enough if Smart will find a creative way to use Fields this season.
