Gunner Stockton is poised to take the reins as the starting quarterback for the Georgia Bulldogs, stepping up at a pivotal moment after the unfortunate injury of Carson Beck. This transition has ignited excitement among fans and raised questions about how the Bulldogs will fare without their previous starter as they head to the College Football Playoff.
On December 7, during the SEC Championship game, Beck suffered a severe elbow injury, effectively ending his season. Gunner Stockton, who played limited snaps leading up to this moment, came off the bench to lead the Bulldogs to victory over Texas. After entering the game with the score 6-3 against Georgia and executing drives effectively, his competitive spirit caught the attention of coaches and fans alike.
“He’s just kind of a plain-wrapper guy. He’s really a simple guy,” remarked Allyn Stockton, Gunner’s uncle, referring to his character. Yet, on the field, Stockton is anything but simple. His high school career at Rabun County was nothing short of spectacular, where he broke records previously held by notable NFL quarterbacks.
Throughout his high school tenure, Stockton racked up impressive statistics with 177 touchdowns, surpassing Trevor Lawrence's state record for career touchdown passes. He completed 71.3% of his passes during his senior year, cementing his legacy before he even set foot on the collegiate stage.
Coaches noted his impressive performance during limited time. During his time on the field against Texas, he was 12-of-16 passing for 71 yards, with one interception, and made significant running plays. Observing his play style, Coach Marcus Freeman pointed out, “You can just tell by the way he celebrates, by the way he goes and finishes plays.” This zeal and competitive nature have made Stockton stand out among his peers.
The narrative surrounding Stockton's beginnings provides intriguing background. Raised in Tiger, Georgia, this small-town athlete embodies hard work and resilience. He drives a 1984 Ford F-150 truck inherited from his grandfather, displaying his down-to-earth personality. Gunner Stockton is characterized by his humble demeanor, highlighting his upbringing and commitment to his roots, as noted by his father, Rob Stockton. “He’s going to continue driving the old truck no matter what kind of opportunities knock for him,” Rob noted, emphasizing the values instilled within him.
Stockton’s ascent through the football ranks was marked by individual sacrifices and community support. He exemplifies the quintessential quarterback, having started practicing when he was merely six years old. This long-standing dedication captured the attention of local coaches, leaving no doubt about his potential.
Despite the high expectations placed upon him, analysts express cautious optimism. Chip Patterson from CBS Sports emphasized the need for the Bulldogs to employ their run game effectively to relieve pressure off Stockton. “I think if you look at the situation like it’s not ideal to be having to turn to your backup quarterback,” Patterson commented, outlining the strategy for success against Notre Dame.
Heading to the Sugar Bowl on New Year's Day, Gunner Stockton finds himself at the center of attention. His performance will be pivotal, as the wishes and hopes of Georgia fans incline toward his ability to handle this momentous event. Coach Kirby Smart trusts Stockton to manage the offense effectively, reiteratively stating, “We have plenty of talent on the offense,” and encouraging him to focus on making smart decisions.
Beyond the pressure and expectations of college football, Stockton’s family and support network remain steadfast. With his entire high school community rooting for him, many are preparing to travel to New Orleans to witness the game. “Rabun County is headed to New Orleans,” Rob Stockton stated with pride, highlighting the impact Gunner has had back home.
While challenges lie ahead, if Gunner Stockton's previous track record is any indication, he will rise to the occasion. The narrative surrounding his triumphs and beginnings provides ample talking points as fans gear up for the impending clash against the Fighting Irish. With the spotlight on him, Stockton has the opportunity to solidify his place within Bulldog lore.
The Bulldogs look to stock their momentum and secure their place as contenders for the national championship, all on the broad shoulders of their new starting quarterback, Gunner Stockton.
