Gunner Stockton 'Embracing' New Role as Georgia's Quarterback

You may have heard this before: In today’s world of college football, players don’t have much obligation to stay at a school and wait their turn. In fact, over the last few years, it appears that the incentive to enter the transfer portal and play immediately has only increased.

But despite his circumstances, and even many of his former peers, like six of his fellow former top-10 quarterbacks in the 2022 class, doing so, Gunner Stockton waited his turn. Now, as he prepares for his redshirt junior season, that patience has paid off.

“Coming out, I was a pretty highly-ranked recruit, you know. I wasn’t big into the recruiting process. But, you know, coming out, you think you’re going to start,” Stockton said of his journey. “But I was just trusting the process and really buying into the standard at Georgia. I’m grateful I’m in Athens and wouldn’t have it any other way.”

That trust has now enabled him to develop into the man who will lead Georgia’s offense in 2025, which is likely helped by the fact that during his time not on the field, he was sitting behind players whom he could learn from.

“It’s been awesome just getting to see those guys, sit behind them,” Stockton said of Carson Beck and Stetson Bennett. “It’s always a dream come true being in this spot, and I’m really grateful for it.”

In many ways, Stockton’s story has elements from both of his predecessors. Like Beck, he was a highly ranked recruit coming out of high school. He committed to Georgia after decommitting from another SEC program. Then would go on to Athens and wait his turn to become the starter. Meanwhile, like Bennett, some still doubt him.

One of those doubters so far is SEC Network personality Paul Finebaum. Who, while covering the SEC Meetings in Destin, Florida, back in May, revealed his doubts about Stockton right before hosting Georgia coach Kirby Smart on his show.

“Yeah, it’s like saying if somebody said you’re a bad reporter, how would you take it? I think I take it like anybody else,” Stockton said of Finebaum’s comments. “I’m not a big social media guy, like I don’t try to find [it].” 

Facing the critics is just one aspect of the role that comes with being the starting quarterback at a program like Georgia. The attention doesn’t stop with the media, though; it also comes from fans.

“I think it’s just a different role. When you look back, I get more attention in Athens getting pictures and stuff like that,” Stockton said. “But that comes with the role, and just being more vocal with the team and just enjoying it. I’ve enjoyed the process so far, and I can’t wait for the season. I’m really excited.”

That leadership role, which Stockton is now finding himself in, is already garnering him praise from not just his teammates. But also his head coach.

“Gunner is a kid that leads from the front. Gunner is a winner,” Smart said. “He comes from an athletic family background, his dad played at Georgia Southern, and he’s the kind of kid you want at the front of the line, and he leads from the front.”

It is indeed a new role, and one that is a stark contrast to the one he held at this point last year. From being the one doing his work behind the scenes, not drawing attention to himself. To now, being constantly in the spotlight and a consistent subject of conversation.

“Honestly, I think he’s done a very good job stepping into that role. He’s not really backing down from it. He’s really embracing it,” cornerback Daylen Everette said of teammate Stockton. “So just seeing that and seeing him grow as a leader over time and over the spring and even over the summer, that’s just something we just love to see from Gunner. We’re just really excited for him to have his opportunity to do what he does.”

Stockton will get that opportunity. First, in a few weeks, when Georgia starts fall camp, which will further prepare him for Georgia’s season opener versus Marshall on August 30.