Christina Matacotta | The Red & BlackJake Fromm, a sophomore quarterback from Warner Robins, prepares to make a pass during Georgia's G-Day spring game April 21 at Sanford Stadium in Athens.

Jake Fromm had quite the freshman season at quarterback.

Georgia lost then-starting quarterback Jacob Eason to injury in its first game against Appalachian State, and Fromm was called on to lead the Bulldogs as a true freshman.

Fromm led his team to a 13-2 record, an SEC Championship victory, Rose Bowl victory and a narrow loss in overtime in the National Championship. He threw for 2,615 yards with 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

That performance has most Georgia fans looking toward another successful season in Fromm’s second season. Some circles even have Fromm as a possible Heisman candidate, with his current odds at 12-to-1 to win the trophy.

What is striking about Fromm’s performance last season is that it is similar to that of former Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray in his first year.

Murray threw for 24 touchdowns with eight interceptions in 2010. He totaled 3,049 yards through the air. During Murray’s time, however, Georgia passed the ball a bit more. He attempted 342 passes, while Fromm only attempted 291.

Things were different for Murray as well. He sat out his first year behind Joe Cox. Fromm, on the other hand, was thrust into a starting role due to injury. Both, however, not only share the same jersey number (11), but also have statistical careers that could possibly be on the same path.

Fromm is a bit bigger in stature at 6-foot-2, 225 pounds to Murray’s 6-1, 207 pounds, but both play a similar style.

An underestimated part of Fromm’s game is his ability to run. He’s shown he can make plays with his feet in scoring three touchdowns, with 79 yards on the ground in 2017. Murray also showed that ability during his senior season in 2013, totaling seven touchdowns with 186 yards rushing.

Although the offensive schemes are different, Fromm plays for head coach Kirby Smart and offensive coordinator Jim Chaney, while Murray played for former head coach Mark Richt and former offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, Fromm and Murray have similar stats and look to be similar quarterbacks.

Only time will tell if Fromm can end his career similar to the former Georgia great. Murray finished his career 13,166 yards with 121 touchdowns and 41 interceptions.

But with the way 2017 went, Georgia fans are hopeful that Fromm has a chance to emulate Murray, with a shot to finish with an even better career. 

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