ATHENS, Ga. — University of Georgia quarterback Jamie Newman has decided to opt out of the 2020 season.

Newman announced his decision on Twitter citing the COVID-19 pandemic. He says he will now focus on preparing for the 2021 NFL Draft.

Newman came to Georgia as a graduate transfer from Wake Forest and had been projected to be the Bulldogs’ starter. Georgia is set to open the season in three weeks on Sept. 26 at Arkansas.

“With much prayer and discussion with my family, I would like to announce that due to the uncertainties of this year amid a global pandemic I will officially opt-out of this football season to prepare for the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft,” Newman tweeted.

“I would like to thank Coach Smart for extending the opportunity for me to be a part of the University of Georgia football program. Although my time has been short, I’ve built some great relationships and I’ve had a chance to continue my development. As I prepare for my journey ahead, I remain hopeful and excited about what the future holds especially during these challenging times in our world.”

Channel 2 sports director Zach Klein received the following statement from Georgia head coach Kirby Smart:

“One of the guiding principles of both the SEC and UGA return-to-play protocols has been the health and safety of our student-athletes. We have emphasized continually that any student-athlete who decides to opt-out because of health and/or safety concerns related to COVID-19 would be fully supported to include honoring scholarships, access to academic facilities, etc., and would remain in good standing with the team. While we will miss him being part of our program, I fully support Jamie’s decision and we will continue to regard him as a Georgia Bulldog. Certainly we wish him nothing but the best in his quest for an NFL career and he knows he will always have a home at UGA.”

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Cox Media Group