What Justin Fields brings to the table for the Georgia Bulldogs
Justin Fields, on the other hand, is the quintessence of a dual-threat quarterback. Fields is a true freshman who came out of high school as the nation’s top-rated example of a dual threat at his position. It makes perfect sense that Smart would look to incorporate that skill set into his offense to ensure that it remains dynamic and unpredictable against SEC opponents.
Through the first five games of his college career, Fields has done nothing to dispel the high rating that he brought to Athens as a blue-chip prospect. The Kennesaw native has completed 15 of his 19 passing attempts, throwing for 147 yards and two touchdowns in the process. He has yet to toss an interception, either, showing that he too is solid at protecting the rock.
Where Fields differs most significantly from Fromm, obviously, is in the rushing stats. In five games, Fields has earned himself a baker’s dozen of carries. In those 13 attempts, he has put up 115 yards on the ground and scored three touchdowns. With less than one-quarter the number of carries that Fromm racked up as a freshman, Fields has already equaled his number of rushing touchdowns and surpassed his total career.
What Fields lacks, however, is the passing chops to really push the ball downfield. While he is completing passes at a higher rate than Fromm, Fields averages nearly 2.5 fewer yards per attempt and almost four fewer yards per completion. That will often leave teams stacking the box and daring Fields to beat them with his arm.
But, because Georgia has two talented underclassmen with two different but complementary skill sets, defenses can’t get too comfortable. The Vanderbilt game should provide a clearer picture of how Smart and his offensive staff will look to employ the duo moving forward.