Georgia quarterback Jamie Newman, who was the expected starter, has opted out this season because of COVID-19 concerns, he announced on social media Wednesday.

Newman, who is ranked No. 6 in the latest positional rankings by ESPN NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay, will begin preparing for the 2021 NFL draft, sources told ESPN.

The graduate transfer from Wake Forest leaves without ever playing a game for the Bulldogs.

“I would like to thank Coach [Kirby] Smart for extending the opportunity for me to be a part of the University of Georgia football program,” Newman said on Twitter. “Although my time has been short I’ve built some great relationships and I’ve had a chance to continue my development.”

USC transfer JT Daniels, who joined the Bulldogs in May and received an NCAA waiver to play this season, becomes the favorite to replace three-year starter Jake Fromm, who is now a rookie with the Buffalo Bills.

The 6-foot-4, 230-pound Newman started 16 games for the Demon Deacons the previous two seasons. In 2019, he completed 60.9% of his attempts for 2,868 yards with 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He added 574 rushing yards with six more scores.

Daniels, a redshirt sophomore from Irvine, California, has three years of eligibility remaining after missing all but one game in 2019 because of a knee injury.

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