Who is Gunner Stockton?

Get ready for the spotlight on Gunner Stockton, the redshirt sophomore quarterback poised to start for the Georgia Bulldogs in the College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinal against Notre Dame. With starting quarterback Carson Beck sidelined due to injury, all eyes are on Stockton as he prepares to make his collegiate starting debut.

Background Information

Early Life

Hailing from Tiger, Georgia, a small town in Rabun County, Stockton grew up immersed in sports. He attended Rabun County High School, where he not only shone as a quarterback but also made waves as a baseball star. His passion for football began at an early age, leading him to achieve remarkable accomplishments throughout high school.
During his senior year, he threw for a staggering 4,136 yards and notched 55 touchdowns against just one interception, earning the Gatorade Georgia Player of the Year honors.

Recruiting Journey

Stockton's college journey took a significant turn in 2021 when he decommitted from South Carolina and committed to Georgia. His four-star recruit status in the 2022 class underscored his potential, as he was ranked as the seventh-best quarterback nationally and the 12th overall player from Georgia according to 247Sports' Composite rankings.

Career at Georgia

Stockton joined Georgia in 2022 but took a redshirt year. Over the past two seasons, he primarily served as a backup, first behind Stetson Bennett and then Carson Beck. However, Stockton's perseverance paid off; his opportunity finally arrived when Beck suffered a UCL injury during the SEC Championship game, paving the way for Stockton's first major action.

Transitioning to Starter

In the SEC title game, Stockton stepped in to finish 12-of-16, accounting for 71 yards and an interception against Texas. Now, as he looks forward to the Sugar Bowl, he carries a career passing stat of 37 completions on 51 attempts for 354 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. His rushing ability also highlights his effectiveness, with 22 rushes accounting for 73 yards in his college career.

Stats Breakdown

• 2022: Redshirted
• 2023: 12-of-19, 148 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT; Rushed 11 times for 63 yards
• 2024: 25-of-32, 206 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT; Rushed 11 times for 10 yards
• Career: 37-of-51 (72.5%), 354 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs; 22 rushes, 73 yards

The Road Ahead

As Gunner Stockton prepares to take the field against a formidable Notre Dame team, many questions linger regarding his ability to lead the Bulldogs in their playoff journey. Coach Kirby Smart has already expressed confidence in his capabilities, labeling him a special player. The Sugar Bowl creates an exciting platform for Stockton to establish himself as not only a reliable quarterback but also the potential cornerstone of Georgia’s future.

Impact on the Team

Gunner Stockton’s performance will not just affect his career trajectory but could also significantly impact the Georgia Bulldogs’ aspirations in the CFP. Should he excel in this high-stakes environment, he could solidify his role in the team's future plans, especially as Georgia continues to build on its rich football legacy.

Conclusion

Gunner Stockton's journey from a small-town athlete to a college football quarterback highlights his dedication and talent. Now, as he steps into a pivotal role on one of the country's elite teams, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if he can deliver under pressure.

Keep an eye on the Sugar Bowl matchup, as Gunner Stockton prepares to shine for Georgia in his debut as a starter!