Rules are rules, Georgia football icon Jake Fromm recently reminded

It was a sign of the times for Georgia football icon Jake Fromm in his hometown last week, and a reminder that “rules are rules” now more than ever.

Fromm was preparing for an upcoming Pro Day film session and throwing inside of McConnell-Talbert Stadium in Warner Robins last Tuesday when the school district superintendent drove by and noticed something amiss.

“On Tuesday, I drove by McConnell-Talbert Stadium, and noticed a truck backed up to the fence, with the tailgate down,” Houston County superintendent Dr. Mark Scott told DawgNation in a written statement on Sunday.

“It looked as if someone had jumped the fence and then dragged a table to the fence so others could more easily get into the stadium.”

Scott said he contacted a school resource officer and the maintenance director to unlock the gate, purportedly, to further investigate.

Georgia schools have been ordered closed for the remainder of the month by governor Brian Kemp. People around the world have been encouraged to practice social distancing on account of the coronavirus pandemic.

But Fromm, like many other prospects, hopes to showcase his talents for teams with the NFL draft fast approaching.

Georgia Pro Day, scheduled for last Wednesday, was canceled along with all other spring sports activities in the SEC.

Fromm’s NFL combine went as expected last month, but he’s a noted perfectionist, always looking to perfect his craft.

According to the superintendent’s statement, Fromm was among six people at the throwing session in Warner Robins last week.

“We all had an amenable conversation, and then we went on our way,” Scott said in his statement. There were no charges filed … “

Fromm, who starred at Houston County High School before his career at UGA, completed his workout in a neighboring county.

A family member expressed disappointment on social media on Sunday that Fromm wasn’t able to complete his workout in his hometown. Also, that the situation reached a point where someone contacted any sort of authority figure.

The social media post prompted DawgNation to reach out to the Houston County superintendent for an explanation.

Scott’s’ statement made clear that “rules are rules,” regardless of who is involved.

“…. our district has procedures in place for anyone who wants to use our facilities,” Scott’s’ statement said. “This information was previously communicated to Jake. All of this could have been avoided had a facilities request been completed.”

Scott indicated there may be some confusion over the access to facilities, as there are some who walk at Houston County High School.

Stadiums, however, “are locked and kept secure, except for games and special events.”

Fromm is welcome to use the stadium in the future, Scott indicated.

“If Jake needs the stadium in the future, we again invite him to complete a facilities request,” Scott said. “We are proud of all of our graduates, to include Jake and many other exceptional young people. I wish him much success.”

Fromm has been projected as anywhere from a first-round to third-round pick in the upcoming NFL draft. His character and leadership are among intangibles that have impressed scouts and GM’s.

Former New England and Seattle Seahawks scout Jim Nagy, now the executive director of the Senior Bowl, is among those very high on Fromm.

“He’s such a quick processor; to watch this guy go through his progressions, he knows exactly where to go with the football,” Nagy told DawgNation, likening Fromm to New Orleans QB Drew Brees. “There’s no delay when he goes from one, to two, to three.

“Jake is so smooth with his eyes, so decisive, he’s very accurate. He has a great feel in the pocket, and he’s mobile enough.”

Fromm is also a young man of impressive character.

Fromm was one of just 22 student-athletes in the country to be named to the 2019 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team for his leadership in his local community.

His leadership on the football field and in the locker room were just as easy to recognize, as he was named a permanent captain.

Fromm led the Bulldogs to a 36-7 record, an SEC championship and wins in the Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl. To boot, he tallied a 12-1 mark against rivals Florida (3-0), Tennessee (3-0), Georgia Tech (3-0) and Auburn (3-1).

Wherever Fromm goes in the NFL draft — and whatever field he plays on — it’s safe to say every Georgia football fan will be watching closely.

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