HOOVER, Ala. — Kirby Smart appeared to acknowledge what has seemed apparent for awhile: Jacob Eason will be Georgia’s starting quarterback, at least at the outset.

“Jacob Eason is our starter going into the season. Jake Fromm’s got to do something to beat him out,” Smart said on Tuesday at SEC Media Days. “Very similar to a lot of positions. You’ve got to beat them out. But we’re very excited about both of them. Including Brice [Ramsey] we have three talented players.”

While Eason started all but one game last year, Smart talked up the competition this spring with Fromm, a true freshman who enrolled early.

That was before Ramsey changed his mind about transferring and opted to return to Georgia for his senior season. Ramsey spent last year as the No. 3 quarterback but has playing experience. That would appear to take pressure off Fromm to play right away. Ramsey could step in if needed if something happens to Eason early in the season.

But that doesn’t change the positive impression Fromm has made in his short time on campus.

“Will Jake Fromm push Jacob Eason? Yeah, he already has,” Smart said. “I think he’s made Jacob respect the game and understand the importance of knowing the ins and outs of every play. Jake does that.”