Some quarterbacks thrive in the spotlight, embracing media attention, flashy social media posts, and the rockstar lifestyle. Others prefer to stay under the radar, letting their work speak for itself. Georgia’s quarterback competition features one of those low-profile players leading the charge—Gunner Stockton. Unlike some of his predecessors, Stockton isn’t about making noise off the field. Instead, he’s focused on proving himself on it.
With last year’s starting quarterback, Carson Beck, having moved on, Georgia now faces an important decision under center. The Bulldogs have little patience for uncertainty at the quarterback position, as their expectations remain the same—winning national championships, not just SEC titles. As spring practice ramps up, all attention is on how head coach Kirby Smart will navigate this transition at quarterback.
Georgia Insider’s Take on the QB Battle
Ryan Kerley, a Georgia football insider for Dawg Post, is direct about the stakes of this quarterback battle. He believes Stockton must elevate his performance for Georgia to remain a national championship contender. “Can Gunner Stockton do a better job than we saw last year?” Kerley asked. “That’s what Georgia will need if they want to compete at the highest level again.”
Despite a fresh start at quarterback, Georgia still boasts elite talent at wide receiver. The team has added new playmakers, including highly touted recruits Zachariah Branch and Noah Thomas. Another name that’s generating excitement is Talyn Taylor, Georgia’s first five-star wide receiver since George Pickens in 2019. Kerley highlighted Taylor’s potential, noting that he’s wearing the No. 11 jersey, previously worn by Aran Smith. “He was one of the best receivers in his high school class, and there’s a lot of buzz around him,” Kerley added.
While the Bulldogs have the weapons to make plays, they need a quarterback capable of maximizing the team’s offensive potential. Stockton may not be the most outspoken leader, but he has earned the trust of many within the program.
Kirby Smart on Gunner Stockton’s Unique Style
Over the years, Kirby Smart has worked with quarterbacks of all different styles, from Stetson Bennett’s scrappy underdog mentality to Carson Beck’s polished passing game. According to Smart, Stockton is different from them all. Speaking on 92.9 The Game’s “The Steakhouse,” he described Stockton’s unique approach: “He’s very different than Carson and very different than Stetson. He’s different than Jake (Fromm) and JT (Daniels). I mean, he’s kind of his own person. He’s got a quiet confidence about him.”
That confidence could be the key to his success. Stockton isn’t trying to replicate Bennett or Beck—he’s working on defining his own legacy. His ability to move outside the pocket also gives Georgia a new dynamic at quarterback, something that former Alabama QB Greg McElroy recently pointed out. “Stockton offers more than what Beck could in terms of movement,” McElroy said. This added mobility could be a major factor in how Georgia’s offense evolves in 2024.
The Other Quarterback in the Mix
Stockton isn’t the only contender for the starting job. Georgia also has a promising young quarterback in Ryan Puglisi, a 19-year-old who has been making an impression since arriving on campus. Although he has yet to play a snap for Georgia, Smart has already taken notice of his competitive mindset.
“He’s a competitor. He never flinched during the recruiting process,” Smart said. “We had another commitment at times… but he never wavered.” That resilience is something Georgia values highly, as the team doesn’t hand out starting roles easily.
Puglisi’s background as a baseball player has also drawn attention, particularly for his strong arm and ability to make off-platform throws. Smart acknowledged this, saying, “He made some good throws on the run, and he’s got a strong arm.” However, talent alone isn’t enough. Leading an SEC powerhouse like Georgia requires far more than just natural ability.
Smart noted that Puglisi still has a long way to go in terms of mastering the offense and fully understanding what is expected of him. The same was once true for Stockton, who has spent time in Georgia’s system, learning the offense and adapting to the team’s expectations. But even with that experience, Stockton must now prove that he is not only the safest choice but the best one to lead Georgia into another championship run.
Stockton’s Leadership Compared to Nick Chubb
One of the biggest debates surrounding Stockton is whether his quiet demeanor makes him the right fit for Georgia’s starting quarterback role. Some argue that quarterbacks need to be vocal leaders, but Smart sees value in different leadership styles. He even compared Stockton to former Georgia running back Nick Chubb, who was known for leading by example rather than words.
“It’s just quiet confidence,” Smart said. “That’s the way Nick (Chubb) was. You had to pull it out of Nick, and that’s the way it is with Gunner.”
Some may prefer a more outspoken leader at quarterback, but Smart isn’t concerned. He believes that as Stockton gains experience, he will naturally become more vocal.
“You might think he’s not listening, but he is,” Smart explained. “He’s taking notes, and he’s wise. He’s a great kid.”
Though Stockton has only thrown for 588 yards and three touchdowns over two seasons, his potential is clear. With Georgia’s annual spring game, G-Day, set for April 12, the pressure is on for Stockton to prove he can take command of the offense. If he can do that, his quiet confidence may be exactly what Georgia needs to pursue another national title.