David Pollack analyses UGA football’s quarterbacks. ‘It’s 100 percent a competition’

Georgia’s quarterback battle is heating up with just a couple of weeks left until kickoff. Former Bulldog David Pollack gives his take here.

For most of the offseason we expected Wake Forest transfer quarterback Jamie Newman to be the next star signal caller for the Bulldogs, but when he decided to opt-out of the 2020 college football season, he started an intense quarterback battle with just a few weeks before kickoff.

Former Georgia legend and college football analyst David Pollack recently spoke about the Bulldogs’ future at quarterback on his podcast with co-host  Kirk Herbstreit.

“There’s a competition. There is a legit, 100 percent (competition). “If you want to talk about one of the most talented quarterbacks in the country, D’Wan Mathis does not get past two or three in the country. You watch that guy throw, he can throw it through a carwash and not get it wet. It is insane,” Pollack continues. “He’s got so much arm talent. He can sling the mess out of it. He’s a 4.4 type athlete. He’s a freak athlete. You watch him, he’s not polished yet. And he’s not buttoned up and not smooth.

D’Wan Mathis is a redshirt freshman from Belleville, Michigan who was rated as the No. 11 pro style quarterback in the 2019 recruiting class.

In 2019, Mathis was competing as the Bulldogs’ practice squad quarterback when doctors found a cyst on his brain. He missed the next year in recovery, but has been able to make it back on to the field as he was fully cleared to participate this summer.

Mathis is competing with redshirt sophomore J.T. Daniels, a transfer from USC, who missed last season for the Trojans with a knee injury, but served as starting quarterback in 2018 where he threw for 2,672 yards with 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

“I think JT Daniels does a great job with timing and getting a ball out and throwing in rhythm, It’s a legit competition. The only thing Daniels, I can say, has a leg up on is experience.”

While Daniels is still not cleared for gameday, he has been practicing and the UGA coaching staff believes he will be cleared before kickoff on Sept. 26.

The picks are in! Analysts predict Irish vs. Duke outcome and more

ESPN’s College Gameday crew picks this weeks slate of games with Wake Forest alum and NBA star Chris Paul.

It’s become a Saturday tradition at ESPN, as their analysts pick games with a celebrity guest. Find out who picked Notre Dame to beat Duke along with the other big games of the day.

ESPN College Gameday with Wake Forest alum and NBA star Chris Paul

Costal Carolina at Kansas

Lee Corso – Kansas

David Pollack – Kansas

Kirk Herbstreit – Kansas

Desmond Howard – Kansas

Chris Paul – Kansas

 

Charlotte at Appalachian State

Lee Corso – App St.

David Pollack – App St.

Kirk Herbstreit – App St.

Desmond Howard – App St.

Chris Paul – Charlotte

 

Louisiana at Iowa State

Lee Corso – Iowa St.

David Pollack – Iowa St.

Kirk Herbstreit – Iowa St.

Desmond Howard – Iowa St.

Chris Paul – Louisiana

 

Florida State at Georgia Tech

Lee Corso – Florida St.

David Pollack – Florida St.

Kirk Herbstreit – Florida St.

Desmonds Howard – Florida St.

Chris Paul – Florida St.

 

Syracuse at North Carolina

Lee Corso – North Carolina

David Pollack – North Carolina

Kirk Herbstreit – North Carolina

Desmond Howard – North Carolina

Chris Paul – North Carolina

 

Duke at Notre Dame

Lee Corso – Notre Dame (BIG)

David Pollack – Notre Dame

Kirk Herbstreit – Notre Dame

Desmond Howard – Notre Dame

Chris Paul – Notre Dame

 

Clemson at Wake Forest

Lee Corso – Clemson

David Pollack – Clemson

Kirk Herbstreit – Clemson

Desmond Howard – Clemson

Chris Paul – Wake Forest

David Pollack reacts to Jamie Newman’s decision

Former Georgia football linebacker David Pollack reacts to UGA QB Jamie Newman’s decision to opt out of the 2020 CFB season.

Following the news of incoming graduate transfer quarterback Jamie Newman opting out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns, former Georgia All-American linebacker, and current ESPN college football analyst David Pollack has changed his pick of the Dawgs winning it all this year.

Pollack has been known to not be biased with his alma-matter but seems to have been all in on the Jamie Newman train.  With Newman now preparing for the 2021 NFL Draft and the quarterback position up in the air for Georgia, Pollack reverted to predicting Alabama or Clemson as the 2020 National Champions.

Newman completed 60.5 percent of his passes, throwing for 3,959 yards, 35 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in three seasons at Wake Forest. He also rushed for 826 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Now Kirby Smart and offensive coordinator Todd Monken will have to study their depth chart and see who is the next best pick to have under center in 2020.

David Pollack thinks Georgia QB Jamie Newman will be 1st round pick

Georgia Bulldogs legend David Pollack thinks current UGA quarterback Jamie Newman will be a first round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft

Georgia Bulldogs legend David Pollack thinks current UGA quarterback Jamie Newman will be a first round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Pollack, an ESPN College Football GameDay analyst, made the College Football Hall of Fame earlier this offseason.

The 2021 NFL Draft featured four quarterbacks selected in the first round (seven went before Jake Fromm). Kellen Mond, Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, Kyle Trask, Jamie Newman, and Mac Jones are among potential first round QBs in 2021. Of course forecasting first round QBs this far in advance is tough to predict. Nobody was projecting Joe Burrow to be a first round pick before the 2019 season.

Here’s what David Pollack had to say about Wake Forest transfer Jamie Newman:

Newman has the potential to be a first round QB. NFL teams value quarterbacks with mobility more than ever. Newman will have to clean up his mistakes, but he’ll be surrounded by more talent than ever in Athens. Newman threw 11 interceptions last season to go along with 32 total touchdowns.

Newman’s experience at Wake Forest will be a plus for him. He went up against plenty of talented defenses during his time in the ACC. He’ll have a chance to boost his draft slot playing behind the best offensive line he’s ever had.

If Newman ends up as a first round pick, then that’s good news for Bulldog fans, who just saw Jake Fromm go in the fifth round. Will Jamie Newman be Georgia’s first QB selected in the first round since Matthew Stafford in 2009?

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Mark Richt congratulates David Pollack on making CFB Hall of Fame

Former Georgia Bulldog defensive end David Pollack has made the College Football Hall of Fame. Pollack, a three time first-team All American and a two time SEC Player of the Year, was simply a monster at Georgia. From 2001-04, Pollack terrorized SEC …

Former Georgia Bulldog defensive end David Pollack has made the College Football Hall of Fame.

Pollack, a three time first-team All American and a two time SEC Player of the Year, was simply a monster at Georgia.

From 2001-04, Pollack terrorized SEC opposition playing for coach Mark Richt. At Georgia, Pollack tallied 36 career sacks, the most in school history.

Unfortunately, a bad back injury prevented Pollack from going on to have a legendary NFL career, but he’s made a nice name for himself as a college football analyst with ESPN.

Pollack has remained close with Richt since departing Athens. Working as a college football analyst, Pollack’s made a number of work-related visits to Athens for an inside look at the program, plus visits just to see his alma mater.

After hearing the news of Pollack’s Hall of Fame induction, his former head coach had only great things to say about #47.

“Congratulations David Pollack,” Richt wrote in a tweet. “There was never a doubt you would end up in the collegiate Hall of Fame! Thank you for blessing me and my family and the Dawg Nation!!
Pollack is only the second Dawg to ever earn first-team All-American honors in three seasons, with the other being Herschel Walker.

In addition to his All-American accolades, Pollack received the following:

  • SEC Player of the Year Award (2004)
  • SEC Defensive Player of the Year Award (2004)
  • Chuck Bednarik Award (2004)
  • Ted Hendricks Award (2003, 2004)
  • Lombardi Award (2004)
  • Lott Trophy (2004)

ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit congratulates David Pollack on CFB Hall of Fame induction

ESPN’s College GameDay’s Kirk Herbstreit congratulates Georgia football great David Pollack on being inducted to the 2020 CFB HOF class

A co-worker, but more so a good friend.

Kirk Herbstreit, who hosts ESPN’s College GameDay, congratulated his co-worker David Pollack on Wednesday after the news broke that Pollack will be inducted into the 2020 College Football Hall of Fame class.

Pollack had an illustrious career in Athens, earning the honor of being one of two players in UGA history to be a three time first team All-American.

The two have been on the program together since 2011 when Pollack joined the GameDay crew. Those who watch the show know these two go together like bread and butter on TV.

High praise from the Ohio State Buckeye alum as Pollack will be forever ingrained in College Football History.

2020 College Football Hall of Fame Class Announced

The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame announced today the 2020 College Football Hall of Fame Class.

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The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame announced today the 2020 College Football Hall of Fame Class, which includes the names of 16 players and two coaches.


A few wrongs were made right.

FINALLY, Eric Dickerson got the call to be in the Hall.

In the theory of, “if you won a Heisman, you should automatically get in,” Eric Crouch made it, along with headliners former Ohio State RB Keith Byars, Michigan OT Jumbo Elliott, Alcorn State QB Steve McNair, and Georgia DE David Pollock.

Two coaches – Dick Sheridan and Andy Talley – were elected, too.

Write-ups from the National Football Foundation.

2020 College Football Hall of Fame Players

Lomas Brown, Florida, Offensive Tackle (1981-1984)

– 1984 consensus First Team All-American and two-time All-SEC performer
– Led Gators to three consecutive bowl berths and top 10 national final rankings in 1983 and 1984
– Recipient of Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the SEC’s top blocker in 1984.

Keith Byars, Ohio State, Running Back (1982-1985)

– Unanimous First Team All-American and Heisman Trophy runner-up who led nation in rushing (1,764), all-purpose yards (2,441) and scoring (144) in 1984
– 1984 Big Ten MVP and two-time All-Big Ten selection
– Ranks fifth all-time at OSU with 4,369 career all-purpose yards and 3,200 career rushing yards.

Eric Crouch, Nebraska, Quarterback (1998-2001)

– 2001 Heisman, Walter Camp and Davey O’Brien Award winner who led Huskers to 2001 national title game at the Rose Bowl
– Finished career as NCAA record holder for career rushing TDs by a quarterback (59)
– Led team to 42-9 record and four bowl berths.

Eric Dickerson, SMU, Running Back (1979-1982)

– Named unanimous First Team All-American and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1982
– Twice named SWC Player of the Year, he holds 14 SMU records including career rushing yards (4,450).

Glenn Dorsey, LSU, Defensive Tackle (2004-2007)

– Two-time First Team All-American, earning unanimous honors in 2007
– Led the Tigers to a national title at the 2008 Sugar Bowl after taking home the Lombardi, Nagurski and Outland trophies
– 2007 SEC Defensive Player of the Year who helped LSU finish no lower than No. 5 nationally his last three seasons.

Jumbo Elliott, Michigan, Offensive Tackle (1984-1987)

– Two-time First Team All-American (consensus, ’87)
– Two-time All-Big Ten First Team selection and member of 1986 Big Ten Co-Champions
– Paved the way for Jamie Morris, who had three-straight 1,000-yard seasons.

Jason Hanson, Washington State, Placekicker (1988-1991)

– Two-time First Team All-American, earning unanimous honors in 1989
– Holds numerous NCAA, conference and school records, including longest field goal without a tee (62 yards) and career field goals of 40 yards or more (39)
– Four-time All-Pac-10 selection and 1991 NFF National Scholar-Athlete.

E.J. Henderson, Maryland, Linebacker (1999-2002)

– Only two-time consensus First Team All-American in Terps history
– 2002 Bednarik and Butkus award winner who helped Maryland to an Orange Bowl berth and No. 11 final ranking
– 2001 ACC Player of the Year and two-time ACC Defensive Player of the Year, leading Terps to the 2001 ACC title.

E.J. Junior, Alabama, Defensive End (1977-1980)

-1980 unanimous First Team All-American and member of two national championship teams (1978, 1979)
– Three-time First Team All-SEC selection and 1980 SEC Lineman of the Year, who led Tide to two conference titles
– Member of fabled goal-line stand defense vs. Penn State in 1979 Sugar Bowl.

Steve McNair, Alcorn State, Quarterback (1991-1994)

– 1994 Walter Payton Award winner as the top player in the FCS.
– Third in Heisman voting in 1994.
– All-time FCS passing leader with 14,496 yards and total yards with 16,823
– Four-time SWAC Offensive Player of the Year

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Cade McNown, UCLA, Quarterback (1995-1998)

-1998 Consensus First Team All-American and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award recipient
-1998 Pac-10 Co-Offensive Player of the Year who led UCLA to consecutive Pac-10 titles in 1997 (shared) and 1998-Holds numerous school records.

Leslie O’Neal, Oklahoma State, Defensive Tackle (1982-1985)

– Two-time First Team All-American, earning unanimous honors in 1985
– Three-time All-Big Eight selection and 1984 Big Eight Defensive Player of the Year, who led Pokes to three, straight bowl berths
– Left OSU as school leader in career sacks (34), career TFL (47) and single, season sacks (16).

Anthony Poindexter, Virginia, Defensive Back (1995-1998)

– Two-time First Team All-American, earning consensus honors in 1998
– Three-time All-ACC pick and 1998 ACC Defensive Player of the Year
– Holds five school records and finished career with 342 tackles and 12 interceptions.

David Pollack, Georgia, Defensive Lineman (2001-2004)

– Three-time First Team All-American (consensus in 2002, 2004) and recipient of the 2004 Lombardi and Bednarik awards
– Two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year who led Bulldogs to consecutive SEC title games
– UGA’s all-time leader in sacks (36) and tackles for loss (58.5).

Michael Westbrook, Colorado, Wide Receiver

– 1994 consensus First Team All-American who led Buffs to four bowl berths and four top 20 finishes
– Two-time All-Big Eight performer, leading CU to a share of the 1991 league title
– Still holds eight school records and caught a 64-yard game-winning pass in the 1994 “Miracle at Michigan.

Elmo Wright, Houston, Wide Receiver

-1970 consensus First Team All-American who earned Second Team honors in 1969 and Honorable Mention honors in 1968
– Set an NCAA single-season record of eight TD receptions of 50 yards or more (1968)
– Still holds Houston career records for all-purpose yards per play (21.0 avg.) and yards per reception (21.9 avg.).

Pete Fiutak Top Ten Ballot
1. QB Carson Palmer, USC (not elected)
2. S Roy Williams, Oklahoma (not elected)
3. RB Eric Dickerson, SMU (elected)
4. QB Eric Crouch, Nebraska (elected)
5. RB Rashaan Salaam, Colorado (not elected)
6. LB James Laurinaitis, Ohio State (not elected)
7. DE Andre Tippett, Iowa (not elected)
8. DE Julius Peppers, North Carolina (not elected)
9. DE David Pollack, Georgia (not elected)
10. DT Kenneth Sims, Texas (not elected)

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Georgia’s David Pollack makes College Football Hall of Fame

Former Georgia Bulldog David Pollack has made the College Football Hall of Fame.

Former Georgia Bulldog David Pollack has made the College Football Hall of Fame. ESPN’s SportsCenter surprised Pollack with the news on air:

Pollack is the 19th former University of Georgia player or coach to make the College Football Hall of Fame. Pollack had an incredible four year career at Georgia, which helped him get drafted 17th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals. A scary neck injury forced Pollack to retire from the NFL, but he’s worked with ESPN’s College GameDay since 2011.

Pollack was a three-time All-American at Georgia and was twice the SEC Player of the Year. He helped Mark Richt and UGA turn around the football program following almost twenty disappointing seasons.

Pollack’s most memorable play came against the South Carolina Gamecocks when he took the ball from the Gamecock quarterback without him noticing. Pollack helped UGA have a 13-1 season in 2002 that ended with a Sugar Bowl victory over Bobby Bowden and the Florida State Seminoles.

Jan 1, 2005, Tampa, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive end #47 David Pollack celebrates after his team forces a fumble by the Wisconsin Badgers in second half action at the 2005 Outback Bowl.The Georgia Bulldogs defeated the Wisconsin Badgers 24-21. Credit: Photo By Paul Chapman-USA TODAY Sports; Copyright (c) 2005 Paul Chapman

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Pat McAfee, David Pollack pick winner of Georgia vs LSU SEC Championship

Pat McAfee and Georgia football great David Pollack picked the winner of the UGA vs LSU SEC Championship Game today while on College GameDay

After calling the Dawgs on the set of College GameDay, Pat McAfee gave his prediction for the winner of the Georgia vs LSU SEC Championship Game.

He noted Georgia’s incredible defense and he commented on Rodrigo Blankenship being the best kicker in the country, but in the end it was Joe Burrow’s crazy success this season that ultimately led him to pick LSU.

Accompanied by David Pollack, a Georgia football great, the two previewed the game today. Pollack mentioned that Georgia will need James Cook to step up and make some plays as a pass catcher with George Pickens and Lawrence Cager out (Pickens is missing the first half). He also discussed how playing fast and getting D’Andre Swift might be the key for Georgia to win.

He did, however, also pick LSU to win today.