Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm not swayed by pending attrition

ATHENS — Georgia sophomore quarterback Jake Fromm has no intention of leaving the program he has help build the past two seasons.

The Bulldogs have been in the spotlight with the possible transfer of backup quarterback Justin Fields making national headlines, and a handful of juniors considering leaving early with hopes of an NFL careers.

Georgia coach Kirby Smart acknowledged that December was anything but business as usual for the Bulldogs leading up to the Sugar Bowl.

“The last I guess 30 days, 31 days, whatever it’s been since our last game, have been wild and crazy,” Smart said last Sunday, “because there’s been a lot of action, in all of college football but especially with the University of Georgia.”

Fromm won’t be a part of the attrition, according to two sources with direct knowledge of the situation.

Fromm, 25-5 as a starter the past two seasons, is committed to staying regardless of what other personnel are coming or going.

Fromm said as much himself in the aftermath of Georgia’s 28-21 Sugar Bowl loss to Texas on Tuesday night.

“Myself, a couple other of these leaders, we’re going to step up,” Fromm said, “and we’re going to have a great off-season, come back better than ever. And I’m fired up for it and can’t wait for it.”

Some questions were raised on the SEC Network on Wednesday, however, when Dallas-based reporter Ian Fitzsimmons said Fromm might transfer if Fields were to stay at Georgia for his sophomore season.

Interesting take from @Ianfitzespn on Justin Fields' future at Georgia:

"If he stays, Jake Fromm may not be there next year, he could be the starter. Look at what Dwayne Haskins did at Ohio State. It only takes one year as a starter to show what you can do" pic.twitter.com/Lz4K0jV0rK
— Paul Finebaum (@finebaum) January 2, 2019

Fromm tweeted a few hours after Fitzsimmons report, seeming to confirm his commitment to Georgia, saying he felt blessed to be part of the Bulldogs’ program.

Thankful for an incredible year with an amazing group of guys. I’m blessed to be here at this university and thankful for these seniors who put so much into this program. The table is set for us, all we have to do is eat ! #GoDawgs #Glory2God pic.twitter.com/9IdxitYSfr
— JakefromStateFromm (@FrommJake) January 3, 2019

Fromm or whoever lines up under center looks to be in good position, as Georgia returns four of five starters from the SEC’s top rushing and pass protecting offensive line.

Fromm was hit an SEC-low 67 times through the regular season — the fewest of any starting quarterback in the SEC, according to ESPN.

Former NFL coach Bruce Arians echoed Smart’s sentiments even before the season about the leadership Fromm wields in the locker room.

There was no reason to believe that changed in 2018, with Fromm named one of the four game captains for the Sugar Bowl on Tuesday night.