Georgia's Newman opts out of season

Georgia quarterback Jamie Newman is opting out of the 2020 season due to "uncertainties" amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he announced Wednesday.

The signal-caller added that he'll officially begin his preparation for the 2021 NFL Draft.

Newman transferred from Wake Forest as a graduate in January. He was locked in a battle with JT Daniels for the Bulldogs' starting quarterback spot.

His decision leaves the door open for Daniels to start in Georgia's season opener Sept. 26 against Arkansas. The redshirt sophomore obtained a waiver to play this fall despite transferring from USC as an undergraduate student.

Newman threw for 2,868 yards and 26 passing touchdowns with the Demon Deacons in 2019 while also rushing for 574 yards and six scores.

The Bulldogs posted a 12-2 record last season, finishing the campaign with a Sugar Bowl victory over Baylor. Last year's starting quarterback, Jake Fromm, was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the 2020 draft.