Gunner Stockton earning praise behind QB1 Carson Beck during spring practice

Carson Beck is Georgia's starting quarterback. There's no discussion surrounding that as the signal-caller enters the 2024 season with a very real chance of finishing out as the top player at his position in the nation.

But he's not the only player on the Bulldogs' roster who is earning praise from head coach Kirby Smart during spring practices. 

Smart has taken note of the strides backup quarterback Gunner Stockton has made. The redshirt sophomore has the No. 2 position locked in by his own accord, but also because freshman Ryan Puglisi is still dealing with a knee injury.

“I’ve seen growth in Gunner,” Smart said. “I thought he had a couple of mistakes in the 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. He has, every now and then, a mistake you can’t have at that position.”

Stockton's in-game action has been limited but promising with his most substantial action coming in the 63-3 blowout win over the Florida State Seminoles in the Orange Bowl.

He completed 6 of his 10 passing attempts for 96 yards in that contest, also carrying the ball 7 times for 46 rushing yards. He finished out the season 12-of-19 passing for 148 yards with 2 touchdowns and 1 interception in relief appearances over four games (UT-Martin, Ball State, UAB and FSU).

It should be noted that the second transfer portal window opens on April 16 and while it shouldn't be considered totally out of the picture for Georgia to potentially bring on an additional quarterback, there's no reason to believe Stockton will be going anywhere. 

Just the same way Beck waited his turn for three years, Stockton is prepared to pay his dues and do the work until his time potentially comes with the Bulldogs.

"Carson's a perfect example. He's shown resilience and waited his turn," Stockton said. He's worked hard and proven that he's one of the best quarterbacks in the country. It's just a privilege to take from him and learn from him."

Even though there are programs out there who would start a player like Stockton at quarterback this season, he sees the value in remaining in Athens with college football's most prestigious program in the nation currently.

"At Georgia, you're going to win. That's the biggest part. You can go to a lot of different places, but there's a lot of things Georgia has that they can't offer."