He gon?

If you’ve been waiting for a certain shoe to drop, according to an Ohio State site, it’s a-happening.

Former 5-star quarterback Justin Fields will be transferring to Ohio State.

Multiple sources confirmed the plans to Lettermen Row on Friday morning, indicating Fields is expected on campus with the Buckeyes later in the afternoon and set to move in this weekend ahead of the resumption of classes, clearing the way for him to participate in the offseason program and spring practice.

Vaya con Dios, Justin.  Hope you enjoyed New Orleans.

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UPDATE:  If you’re looking for someone more authoritative…

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UPDATE #2:  And one more.

143 Comments

Filed under Georgia Football

143 responses to “He gon?

  1. CB

    I just became a really big Tate Martell fan.

    Like

    • spottieottie

      Watch QB1 on Netflix, you’ll find yourself rooting for Fields in no time.

      Liked by 2 people

      • CB

        Nothing could make me root for Fields now. I watched the first season with Martell. Hated him at first, but that kid was an absolute dog. He changed my mind after I watched him compete.

        Like

        • Dawg1

          He is EVERY bit the runner Fields is and probably a better passer. You are 100% right. 24 Months head start on the offense as well.

          Like

          • spottieottie

            Martell’s got a head start on the playbook, but I haven’t seen anything from his garbage time tape to suggest his arms (or his legs) are comparable to what Fields brings to the table. Throw in the fact that he’s undersized (a generous 5’11”) and I’d think Fields has every bit a chance to beat him out.

            Unlike Georgia’s pro-style offense, Ohio State’s spread/read option approach is more similar to what Fields ran in high school and probably better suited to his skill set.

            Like

    • Biggen

      Which makes a transfer to OSU stunningly stupid to me. Martell was in the same class as Fromm.

      Fields is banking on beating Martell out for the starting job. Gonna be a tough row to hoe seeing as Martell has a two year head start on the playbook.

      Liked by 2 people

    • If he plays the race card, I am with you. If not, I’m inclined to agree with spottie based on QB1 show. That punk angered me.

      Liked by 1 person

      • spottieottie

        He looked worse when compared with the other two guys, especially the kid from PA with a single mom and decidedly less glitzy circumstances than Tathan’s McMansion out in Vegas and pro-style training facilities.

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      • Dawg in ATL

        If by “playing the race card” you mean that he was called a racial slur while at Georgia

        Like

        • CPark58

          Called a racial slur from the stands which was later reported by the AJC via a facebook group. A report which saw the perpetrator swiftly shunned and shown the door by administration.

          Of course its in fact a bullshit excuse but playing that card is brilliant because no one will oppose it even though it isn’t founded at an institutional level. However, I guess Ohio could be the utopia where racism doesn’t exist and drunk football spectators don’t make stupid ass comments.

          If that is the route his lawyer takes and is successful in getting a pass from the NCAA, the irony will be that he is in reality transferring for playing time and the racial slur was used as part of a poorly worded demand to play him instead of Fromm.

          Liked by 3 people

          • Here’s the latest on the appeal:

            “Fields’ appeal for immediate eligibility is expected to center on racial slurs that were directed at him by a former Georgia baseball player, who was subsequently dismissed from the team. Fields, who was considered a professional baseball prospect in high school and a potential player in college, would feel uncomfortable joining the Georgia baseball team after that incident, sources said.”

            https://sports.yahoo.com/sources-justin-fields-finalizing-transfer-georgia-ohio-state-165331990.html

            From all of that, we’re to assume Fields was going to play baseball at Georgia this spring. In this case, I’ll be waiting to see him on the diamond for the Buckeyes this year.

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            • spottieottie

              I think it’s a weak excuse, especially given Georgia’s swift reaction to remove Sasser. But requiring players to sit out a year is objectively stupid. If coaches can pack up and leave with impunity, players should be able to as well.

              Like

              • I agree. I’ve been an advocate for changing the transfer rules, but until the NCAA changes the rules, I don’t see how Fields has any case for a hardship transfer. This situation is different from D-Rob or Shea Patterson based on my understanding of the facts.

                Liked by 1 person

                • ASEF

                  The NCAA is backtracking hard in this area. Basically, make a claim, have it survive a basic fact check, get your pass.

                  Like

                • Chi-town Dawg

                  I actually wonder if immediate eligibility couldn’t hurt Fields more than possibly help. Martell has a 2 year headstart, if Fields doesn’t beat him out this Fall, he’s essentially wasted another year plus the chances of beating out Martell decrease unless he’s injured or leaves early. Let’s not forget OSU track record of NFL QBs is anything less than impressive in recent years (JT Barrett, Tyrelle Pryor, Braxton Miller, Cardale Jones), so find it hard to believe he’ll be better prepared for the big show in that system unless he wants to play WR;-) I wish him all the best and think his departure will reduce the level of locker room drama (for UGA at least) on next year’s team.

                  Like

      • CB

        I definitely see Martell’s unlikeable qualities. Similar to Manziel and Mayfield, but I enjoyed watching those guys play because at the end of the day they were great talents.

        Like

    • Fields is coming in to a lot of love.

      Like

  2. PTC DAWG

    I wish the kid well.

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    • Debby Balcer

      +1. It is his future that is in question. Only he knows the entire situation and he made a choice he thinks will serve him better. I think it will benefit GA too because it will unify the team behind Fromm.

      Like

      • Lutz Dawg

        Completely agree. This might be a blessing because the locker room may have been somewhat split between Fromm and Fields. Now, it’s Fromm’s team. It’s time for him to step up and be a vocal leader too.

        Like

        • Dawg1

          Makes me damn proud frankly as to how Eason handled it. After all, he was the starter who didn’t lose his job due to poor performance, per se, he got hurt.

          But the roll we got on couldn’t be messed with. Eason understood this as well as anybody it seems. He handled the whole thing like a pro.

          Liked by 4 people

    • I think Fields will do really well if the light comes on, but I don’t think it did this season. He was like a deer in the headlights for the most part, much more so than Fromm was his freshman year.

      Liked by 2 people

    • ASEF

      On a personal level, agreed, BUT… if he’s wildly successful at Ohio State (like Heisman Top 3 successful), the asterisk of where he started is going to be an issue for Kirby in QB recruiting. Not an insurmountable one, and if Fromm lands in a lucrative spot in the draft, then it would be all much ado about nothing.

      But if Fromm continues to struggle in big moments and big games while Fields thrives somewhere else (both big ifs), then… ouch.

      Got to be honest, the departure of Nauta, Ridley and Hardman leave me with serious questions about the passing game for 2019.

      Like

      • Fromm has played his @$$ off the last 2 years. He was a Freshman All-American and SEC Freshman of the Year last year. He has won an SEC championship, came really damn close to a 2nd one, won a Rose Bowl, and came a blown coverage from winning a national championship.

        Like

        • ASEF

          No argument from me at all on that front.

          But the stats out there that are going to dog him, because it’s become the staple “but…” in every article I see on Jake: A common denominator in Georgia’s Ls the last two years are a high number of passes from Fromm. And the results are mixed:

          2017: 29 of 61 (48%), 416 yards (6.8), 2 TDs, 2 picks
          2018: 62 of 109 (57%), 734 yards (6.7), 7 TDs, 3 picks

          Glaring situational stat, 2018: 3rd and 7 or more: 21 of 40, 280 yards, 3 TDs, 4 picks, 14 first downs.

          The two 4th quarters and OT against Alabama: 8 for 18, 73 yards, 3 sacks for 28 yards

          He hasn’t exactly lit it up when the stakes are highest.

          Like

  3. Derek

    Fuck!

    It would be a shame if there is so much drama between Justin and Tate that the place collapses.

    Liked by 4 people

  4. Salty Dawg

    Well, good luck Justin. The grass is not always greener.

    Liked by 2 people

  5. DawgPhan

    I dont know what Oklahoma has w/r/t QBs, but it would be hard for me to not go to Oklahoma at this point. 2 straight Heisman winning QBs. Wide open offense built around guys like him.

    Ohio State aint bad either, but I wouldnt want to be involved in their transition.

    Best of luck to him and hope that he can play as early as he can win the spot.

    Like

  6. Salty Dawg

    *except over the septic tank!

    Like

  7. Jeff Sanchez

    Good luck to him, but I swear this just doesn’t make sense unless he gets the waiver.

    Like

  8. Russ

    Hate to see him go, but I’d love to see him beat out Tate Martell.

    Like

  9. JoshG

    Have fun with Pablo, guys.

    Like

  10. Russ

    Any word on Aubrey Solomon? We could use the help on the DL.

    Like

  11. Bye, Justin. I hope things go well for you, but I also hope you sit in 2019.

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    • Macallanlover

      That is my position, good luck unless you are playing UGA. But if he gets a waiver because of the BS attorney’s plan to smear UGA, I hope he falls on his face. Really think this is a mistake for him, his advisors have already made one, he has a ways to go based on what we all saw, and what many have heard. Maybe by 2020 he can beat Martell out, but then he will have spotted him a year of experience. Huge risk, the kid is putting a lot of faith in that QB coach and the departing QB at ohio. He will have 2020 and 2021 to make it pay off.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. PatinDC

    Good Luck to him. I don’t think it is a great move for him but what do I know?
    I hope he does not end up the next Mitch Mustain.

    Like

  13. spottieottie

    Have a feeling Urban just found a magical cure for his “memory issues.”

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Bo

    Thanks for the distraction Justin. Hope you find someone you can beat.

    Liked by 5 people

  15. vectordawg

    Bye Felicia

    Liked by 3 people

  16. David K

    We should be the prime gig for the top QB in the 2020 signing class.

    Like

    • DawgPhan

      You probably dont want to go look at the 2020 QB rankings then.

      QBs are also hard to pick up late. Most of the top QBs seem to commit early and stay committed. And trying to recruit one for the 2020 class would be very late on a top QB. But Smart is a great recruiter I am sure they will get someone.

      Like

  17. Adios, amigo. If he lets Tate Martell beat him out I will almost feel sorry for him.

    Like

  18. Buddha

    never understood him coming here – did he really think we was gonna waltz in and take everything away from Jake, who only took over the team at Notre Dame in game one and drove the thing to the natty? glad that sort of drama is gone ’cause no team needs it.

    Like

    • vectordawg

      Yes, I think he did think that. He’s probably been told how great he is since he was 5 and at UGA he found out he wasn’t the GOAT.

      Liked by 1 person

    • spottieottie

      In Fields’ defense, he committed when Fromm and Eason were both still on the roster. He came into this situation fully aware the job wasn’t going to be handed to him.

      If anything, I’d guess that Fromm taking over from the incumbent starter (and a 5-star, #1 overall QB) would lead someone to think that the coaching staff makes roster decisions based on the player that gives them the best opportunity to win a game and not “who has been here the longest?” If you’re a kid that’s confident in your abilities, I can’t fault you for thinking you could win the job.

      Like

  19. D as in Dawg

    I’m still waiting for Kirby to make a move with his offensive staff… unless, of course, it’s his idea to run unsuccessfully into an all out blitz over and over again.

    Liked by 1 person

  20. Gurkha Dawg

    Never thought he should have signed with us. Wish he never had. But thanks for all you did, like uhmmm. Well the only thing I can think of is being a central part of the play that cost us the national championship. But besides that, thanks for everything!

    Liked by 2 people

  21. moe pritchett

    After G-Day I’m not sure the kid was ever on board and fully committed to being a Buldawg. My guess is saw Fromm was not going to be beat out and he just gave up.

    Like

  22. ChiliDawg

    I really love how half of our fans really show their asses at times like this. Never let it be said that Georgia fans are any better than anyone else.

    I wish the kid the best. I don’t fault him for transferring looking for a better opportunity. I just don’t personally get the logic behind choosing Ohio State. Seems like a gamble. But I’m not in his head and I don’t know what all the reasons are. Not sure why so many of you feel compelled to say nasty things. That’s a lie. I do know.

    Like

    • Doug

      Agreed. I think it’s possible for Georgia fans to be disappointed that he’s leaving without immediately downshifting into denigrate-the-kid’s-character mode.

      I will admit that it stings a little more for him to be transferring to aOSU, but if that’s where he feels like he has the best shot at securing some meaningful playing time, I can’t fault his decision. At least he won’t be subjected to Urban Meyer’s bullshit.

      Like

    • The Dawg abides

      I think it’s all about the year Haskins had. 50 td’s sold him on the buckeyes. They didn’t run Urban’s traditional offense this year, he let Day open things up more. It’s a simpler, quick read, qb friendly system. Day and OSU did a great job selling Justin, his dad, and his qb coach.

      Like

      • Dawg1

        Agree they have a nice system this year, but they have a legit equal, if not superior QB with 2 years in that system up next. Say what you want about Martell, but he has and will ALWAYS be a gamer.

        Like

    • Tympanic membrane

      I think you’re one of those guys that has 50 ft rabbit ears and like to use hyperbole when describing a small proportion of assholes in fan base. Loud people are loud. Use a fine brush when painting, bud, you’ll be surprised how much better your art becomes.

      Liked by 1 person

      • ChiliDawg

        Maybe. If I used the word “many” instead of “half” would you have less of an issue with it? Because might be less than half but it’s certainly more than an inconsequential number.

        Like

    • Morris Day

      I don’t begrudge the kid his choice on where to matriculate. I do fault him, his family and advisors for how it was handled. Actually fault his family and advisors more than a 18-19 year old kid. As has already been said, Eason handled his transfer with class. So far, Fields & Company have not.

      Liked by 1 person

      • ChiliDawg

        Are you basing this judgment off of a report of a circumstance Fields MIGHT list in his appeal for a waiver on the transfer rule? Or can you point to something he’s actually DONE that was “without class?”

        Seems to me like you’re passing a lot of judgment based on speculation and hearsay.

        Like

  23. Granthams replacement

    No issue with the kid transferring, UGA is not a jail it’s a school. There is no reason for the NCAA to grant a waiver based on hostile environment. Fields’ sister signed with UGA 6 weeks after Sasser opened his big mouth. Hard to be a hostile when your little sister didn’t think so. Big issue with all the drama around his transferring. Eason set a great example for how to transfer. Kirby needs to set expectations around the transferring and at what point a player is no longer on the team.

    Liked by 1 person

    • J-DawG

      If a kid says he is transferring, from that day forward he is no longer part of the team in any capacity, to include travel. If you sit out a bowl game you do not travel or get any of the goodies associated with it. If you want to sit out, fine, but there’s a price to be paid.

      Liked by 1 person

      • spottieottie

        Considering Fields is the only other remotely competent QB on the roster, bringing him to New Orleans was kinda important.

        Like

    • DawgPhan

      I am going to guess that Baker didnt make the trip to NOLA without Smarts approval. So it would seem that Smart has set the expectations around how this goes.

      Like

  24. dawgfan

    Having Justin Fields on the team was just like owning my boat. My second happiest day was was when I bought it and the happiest day was when I sold it.

    Liked by 1 person

  25. Turd Ferguson

    In other words, the team is now cancer-free. Time to heal up and prepare for next season.

    Here’s hoping we get to beat the shit out of OSU in an upcoming playoff game.

    Like

    • Other than the kid saying something dumb in Columbia that got caught on video, what evidence exists that Fields was a “cancer”? I call BS on that.

      Like

      • Dawg1

        Lots of evidence if you listen. Hazelwood, and more.

        Like

      • Turd Ferguson

        I don’t give a damn whether you agree with me. I wasn’t posting my thoughts in the hope of convincing you to think likewise.
        I know I’m probably in the minority on this, but I don’t think the coaching staff “mismanaged” this situation at all. I think they knew exactly what they were doing, taking a calculated risk on possibly losing him if it meant teaching him an important lesson about being a team-first player. In other words, I suspect they limited his playing time this season for more reasons than mere readiness. I think they were sending a message, basically: you prove to us that you’re the kind of player who cares about nothing more than Georgia winning, or else enjoy the view from the sidelines. And judging by everything I’ve heard about Fields, his family, etc., not to mention the events of the past few weeks, it sounds the message was received … and rejected. You can act like the Columbia incident was some fluke, but I think it’s stupid to think he only exhibited that attitude that one night. You really don’t think the coaches picked up on the same pouty sense of entitlement at any practice, or any film session, at any point during the season? Please.

        Suffice it to say: I think Fields has found the perfect fit for his personality at Ohio State. He’d also fit in very well at places like Auburn and Florida — though, selfishly, I’m glad he left the conference. There’s no denying he’s ridiculously talented.

        Liked by 2 people

        • Ldawg

          Maybe the simple explanation is that he wasn’t upset at getting mop up duty per se, rather it was the turd-sandwich play calling that he got. Why not let him play a little bit instead of just handing it off? It was the second game of the year for crying out loud, I think he was just a little pissed that Chaney didn’t let him run the offense. Do anyone really think he had such a bad attitude he was considering a transfer in week 2? I guess time will tell.

          Like

    • Hmmm….that might be a bit strong.

      I don’t know if he was trying to be divisive, but it clearly turned into that, and I’ll be shocked if more doesn’t leak out now that he’s gone.

      And look, there is an elephant in the room that no one really knows how to process yet bc no one knows how much of an issue it was amongst the team.

      What is clear is that there were some guys in the locker room who clearly think he should have been playing more.

      Like

      • dawgman3000

        Totally agree, and this saga may not be over just because Fields is gone.

        Like

      • I never heard of a single player imply Fields should have been playing more. Those conversations may have happened late at night in East Campus Village, but I didn’t get the impression any of the offensive starters thought Fields should play over Fromm.

        Like

    • Uglydawg.

      I’d really rather get another shot at Texas.

      Like

  26. Texas Dawg

    After the tweets from Martell about this, I would like to be a fly on the wall in the OSU locker room.

    Like

    • Uglydawg.

      I don’t know.
      But I suspect..
      Martell is going to make Fields life miserable. He isn’t going to help him, he’s going to try to undermine him and it’s going to be bad..but it will be kept hush-hush. Fields can’t be seen as a whiner at his new school too.
      I think Fields screwed up hugely. .Once the cat was out of the bag, it wasn’t going back in. People don’t overlook this kind of stuff. Just read the comments.
      A lot of companies have a policy that “if an employee threatens to quit in order to get his way, he just quit”.
      He should have put in his time and been supportive of his teammates and hung around. Instead he pouted and threatened to leave..so he “shit in his own mess kit” as they say in the mil.
      Good luck to him at Ohio State. I hope he does well. But he’s going to find out what cut throat looks like competing for that job.
      BTW..there was no “elephant” unless someone in the Fields’ camp conjured one up.

      Like

      • dawgman3000

        Fields screwed up by not sticking with his commitment to PSU and coming to UGA.

        Like

        • Mike Cooley

          I was part of the “wish him well” crowd but at this point I’m sick of his shit and glad he’s gone. As others have said, the timing of the announcement, his spoiled brat attitude in Columbia, and the way this thing played out toward the end makes me feel like we are better off without him. I’m more concerned about Holyfield’s decision to go pro than I am losing this primadona. And I’m glad his buddy Haselwood probably isn’t coming. Give me Dominic Blalock all day long. I hope Martel humbles Fields in Columbus. Good riddance.

          Like

  27. CB

    I hope he never starts at Ohio State.
    But if he does I hope they never make the playoff.
    But if they do I hope they play Georgia, and the dawgs serve him up a Colt Brennan special (circa 2008 Sugar Bowl).

    Liked by 1 person

  28. Mick Jagger

    I just want UGA to go 15-0

    Like

  29. Hobnail_Boot

    I‘d tell him to go to hell but it seems like he preemptively took my advice.

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    • Uglydawg.

      Hello Columbus
      Don’t know about it being “Hell”. Nice city and a great school…but the people he will have to deal with on the football team might not love him very much. Martell doesn’t seem like the warm and fuzzy guy that’s going to help him learn the system and compete for his job.

      Like

  30. spottieottie

    There’s a lot of butthurt on here over an 18/19 year old kid’s decision on where to go to school and the impression that said kid is somehow responsible for Georgia losing an utterly meaningless bowl game. I don’t get it.

    I wish Fields the best of luck and the best of health. If he ever plays Georgia I hope he puts up a Zabransky-like 4 INTs, but outside of that I hope the kid gets to play and I hope he has a long, healthy, productive career.

    Like

    • Uglydawg.

      There’s also a lot of hyperbole on here concerning what people are actually saying. I don’t think anyone, or at least only a very few are saying that Fields cost Georgia that game…although it was maybe a contributing factor.
      And just because you declare the Sugar Bowl to be “an utterly meaningless bowl game” doesn’t make it one. It’s worth millions to the New Orleans economy and they were gracious enough to host Georgia and expect Georgia to show up and deliver a good effort. That’s called “honoring a commitment”, which to a lot of people is still essential.
      Losing in that fashion will give pollsters an excuse to place Georgia further back which will mean less wiggle room for a slip-up (and there will likely be one) in ’19. So it matters there too.
      Most of us also wish him luck. But he made a poor decision which is indicative of a sour attitude, or immaturity or some other unflattering but hopefully temporary quality. He should have bowed his back and stuck with Georgia..for his own sake. Now he has to deal with an arrogant competitor that will likely make him long for the camaraderie of BM.

      Like

  31. TMC DAWG

    Best thing for Fromm is Fields transferring. No pressure now. Even for Kirby to. I always thought Fields was a me guy.

    Liked by 1 person

  32. sniffer

    Ber his first words “these girls are uuglyy”.

    Liked by 1 person

  33. Normaltown Mike

    I just want Ohio State to lose.

    But that’s always my feeling on them.

    Like

  34. Godawg

    My only observation is that I bet he freezes his ass off,,,:I’da gone to Miami 🙂

    Like

  35. Biggus Rickus

    I don’t care either way. I don’t wish him well or ill, just like most players who don’t play for Georgia.

    Liked by 2 people

  36. Texas Dawg

    Tate Martell has been in the OSU system for a year now so he has a head start on Fields. He is no slouch himself as he was a 5 start recruit. Martell has pretty much thrown down the gauntlet with is tweets. Assuming Fields gets a waiver and is allowed to play this year, will he transfer again if he does not beat Martell out? He would be in the same boat once again that he is now in at UGA. Just things to ponder.

    Like

  37. He said he came to GEORGIA because he liked competing. He left because in the end he could not compete with Jake. Sure sign of an entitled mindset. I wish him well but it is no great loss.

    Liked by 2 people

  38. towniedawg

    Honestly….if this supposed generational talent failed to usurp Fromm, I’d suggest that Fromm’s pretty good and we shouldn’t be sweating the QB position… but hey, that’s just me.

    Like

  39. CB

    Like