Gunner Stockton showing signs of growth through ups and downs of spring
ATHENS, Ga. — It’s been a big spring for Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton. This time last year, the focus for the position group was figuring out who would be the starter in the fall. Now, with Carson Beck back for another year, the emphasis for Mike Bobo‘s signal callers has been on development, and Stockton has been possibly the biggest beneficiary.
A redshirt sophomore, Stockton is entering his third season with the program. He didn’t appear in any contests during the 2022 season and saw action in just four games during 2023. Both years he’s been behind Beck, as well as Brock Vandagriff. However, with Vandagriff now the likely starter for Kentucky, Stockton has seen his rep total increased and opportunities for development grow exponentially.
“Gunner has done a good job. I’ve seen growth in Gunner,” Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said in his last meeting with the media before G-Day. “I thought he had a couple of mistakes in the (first) scrimmage but he also played with much more consistency.”
“I’ve seen this progression with Gunner that like, he’s getting better each and every practice. The bowl practices were great for him. The ability to play in that bowl game was awesome for him. He’s gotten better. He’s getting a feel for our system. He’s a really good athlete,” Smart continued. “He has, every now and then, a mistake you can’t have at that position. The good thing is, you can ask him after the play, and I always ask him, ‘What did you see, what was the coverage?’ He gives the right answer. So he’s seeing the right things. But he’s got to continue to develop and grow. That’s a hard position to play. He’s still trying to master that position.”
Few have a better perspective on Stockton’s growth than Brett Thorson. No, the punter’s not catching passing from the quarterback, but the two live together. As first-years in 2022, Thorson and Stockton were across the hall from one another. They quickly built a strong friendship, and now, the Australian is spending holidays with the Stockton family in Rabun County.
“He comes across pretty quiet. Anyone on the team would say, if they are going to let their sister date someone, they would probably choose Gunner,” Thorson joked. “He’s just as humble as you get and it’s been good seeing him get the reps with Brock transferring out. So his reps go up, which is good to see. He’s been out there slinging it. He’s a good dude. I am sure you guys will get to know him a lot more coming in the future.”
Stockton had a chance to show off his skills in the Orange Bowl with extended action in the win over Florida State. Opening the second half with the rest of the first-team offense around him before eventually working with the backups, Stockton threw for 96 yards and two touchdowns on 6-of-10 passing, also adding 46 yards rushing on seven attempts. He’ll have another opportunity to see action this coming Saturday in the spring game, likely getting some work in with both the first and second-team offensive units.
G-Day puts a close on spring practice for Georgia after 15 sessions in a little more than a month. Kickoff time to the annual red and black intrasquad scrimmage at Sanford Stadium is set for 1:00 p.m. ET on SEC Network+.
