Jermaine Burton, JT Daniels enter transfer portal among other Bulldogs
Jermaine Burton, JT Daniels enter transfer portal among other Bulldogs
Georgia quarterback JT Daniels and wide receiver Jermaine Burton have recently entered their names in the NCAA student-athlete transfer portal.
The news broke late Wednesday afternoon that both Bulldogs intended to take their talents elsewhere.
Daniels looking for a new home
Daniels, who transferred from USC in 2020, was Georgia’s starting quarterback entering this season.
He took over for Stetson Bennett late last season and started the final four contests for the Bulldogs. In those four starts, Daniels completed 80-of-119 passes for 1,231 yards, 10 touchdowns and two interceptions. He threw for 401 yards and four scores in his first start at Georgia in its 31-24 victory over SEC West opponent Mississippi State.
Daniels started the 2021 season opener against Clemson, but it was later revealed that he had a grade one oblique tear, which sidelined him for a game Two weeks later, he started against South Carolina and would play the entire matchup. However, Daniels was pulled after the first quarter of the Vanderbilt game the following week. Next, he dealt with a lat strain and never started another game as Bennett thrived in his absence.
The former five-star signal-caller finished his junior campaign by completing 68-of-94 passes (72 percent completion rate) for 722 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions.
According to a source, Daniels will more than likely finish out his degree at UGA, so he can leave as a graduate transfer, and gain immediate eligibility.
Burton wants greener pastures
It’s been widely rumored that Burton may transfer, but he made it official on Wednesday evening.
However, the interesting note is that this news comes just two days after former Georgia wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton took a job at LSU, which is in Burton’s home state.
"This is one of the hardest decisions that I have had to make in my life," Burton stated in a graphic via his Instagram. "I am very thankful and honored to have been able to play [at the University of Georgia.] I have made a lifetime of friendships and relationships that I will always cherish. I would like to thank all of Dawg Nation for all the support you have given me. Thank you to coach Hankton for being a great coach and mentor for me. Thank you to coach Smart for always pushing us to be our best and being an amazing head coach. Thank you to all of the UGA staff for always being there. To all my teammates, I love all of you. We have made some great memories [together.] At this time, I feel it is best for me to enter into the transfer portal."
The former four-star wideout caught 54 passes for 901 yards and eight touchdowns in two seasons as a Bulldog. This past year, Burton finished with 26 receptions for 497 yards and five touchdowns, averaging a team-high 19.1 yards per reception in 14 games.
Burton hasn’t been completely healthy since arriving in Athens, which has affected his production. This past season, Burton suffered a knee injury during spring drills in April, an ankle injury during fall camp in August, and an injured groin throughout the season.
Other Bulldogs
With Daniels and Burton announcing their plans, there are currently 10 Georgia players in the transfer portal.
Those other scholarship players are Justin Robinson, Jaylen Johnson, Ameer Speed, Jalen Kimber, Lovasea Carroll Latavious Brini. Walk-ons Tyler Malakius and Chase Harof are also intending on leaving Georgia via the transfer portal.
There could be some more names to come.