Adversity can shove you down paths that seem treacherous at first but are a blessing in disguise. That’s what happened with Kirby Smart and his Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship Game. The Georgia offense was essentially stagnant and devoid of any dynamism all through the first half. They garnered merely 50-odd total yards on Texas’ stout defense. Right before the midway point came a watershed moment. Then-QB1 Carson Beck went down with an injury to his throwing arm. His attempt at a “Hail Mary” turned into a “Jesus, God!” What could have potentially ensued pandemonium became the reason for their success. The injury forced the introduction of then-backup QB Gunner Stockton.
This switch at quarterback essentially transformed Georgia’s modus operandi back to its roots during their Natty run with Stetson Bennett under center. The Bulldogs leaned on their run game and defense the rest of the way. They scored a TD on their very first drive with Stockton, which revitalized the whole team en route to a 22-19 OT win. Not only did this reform their traversal to the proverbial crown to the southeast. It could be a bit of a trailer for what Kirby Smart hopes will be his offense’s identity in 2025. With Beck now with Miami, Stockton is poised to be the starting quarterback. Or is he?
A 4-star prospect from the class of ‘22, Gunner Stockton has more than been patient. When Carson Beck skipped the NFL draft (weird, it’s happened twice!) and returned to Athens for one more season in 2024, it would’ve been rational for Stockton to hit the portal and look for a starting role elsewhere. But he stayed ten toes down. As a Georgia native, being QB for the Bulldogs probably just means that little bit more. After all, Stockton has shown to be someone who leans into his intangibles. This is baked into why Georgia insider Matt DeBary thinks Stockton will beat out his closest competitor, Ryan Puglisi, in this race. He leveraged his thoughts and intel over the “UGA Football on Dawg Post” YouTube channel.
“[Gunner Stockton] knows the playbook inside and out right now. [OC] Mike Bobo knows as well as anyone what Gunner Stockton is capable of. What his strengths are, what he can improve on. As far as Ryan Puglisi overtaking Gunner Stockton, I think people need to pump the brakes a little bit on that. Because there’s still two years of separation, and that goes a long way,” said Matt DeBary. Class of ‘24 recruit Puglisi indeed only came to Athens last season and so trails in terms of seniority. Even Kirby Smart said Puglisi “has a long way to go” earlier this weekend. But even if you discount time spent in the system, Stockton’s had actual reps in some massive spots.
He started a playoff game and played half of an SEC championship last season. For a program that’s always in and around those occasions, that experience and proven ability to rise above the pressure is definitely a factor. DeBary proceeded to explain why Stockton—in isolation—is a great fit for Kirby Smart’s team. “If you want to play quarterback for the University of Georgia, you don’t have to light up the stat sheet. You don’t have to have the biggest arm…You have to be a competitor. You have to be able to lead, you have to be able to take care of the football,” said DeBary. When Stockton ran through Texas’ run defense for first down after first down in that Conf. Championship game, it rallied his peers. He’s shown he has those skills DeBary is demanding.
Just as Gunner Stockton had to, Ryan Puglisi will probably have to bide his time in the wings, too. He’d hope to get his opportunity relatively sooner, though. Assuming Stockton does win the job, his first spring atop the depth chart isn’t exactly going seamlessly. Georgia’s been hit with some injury news that directly affects Stockton and, by extension, this new-look offense.
Kirby Smart receives some bad news that makes Gunner Stockton’s adjustment a challenge
The 15 practices in spring are an opportunity for the quarterback to build some chemistry and cohesion with their supporting cast. As a first-time starter, Gunner Stockton sure needs to get on the same page as his receivers. Especially if the receiver is new to the Mike Bobo offense himself. However, that idealistic scenario isn’t how the chips have fallen.
Freshman WR Tyler Williams announced he’ll have to undergo ankle surgery. He won’t get an opportunity to don that Bulldogs jersey before fall. Williams, via his IG, announced he has torn ligaments in spring practice that need to be repaired surgically. The 3-star recruit may not have seen much playing time this season anyway. But for his very first CFB offseason to be rendered wasted is a blow. He joins a list of 9 players that Kirby Smart doesn’t have access to this spring owing to injuries.
That said, Georgia isn’t one to pause and rue their situation. They’ll keep trudging through. Unless you cut the head off this proverbial dragon, they shall not lie down and be slain. Coach Smart has earned the benefit of the doubt. They’re a modern dynasty that will always be a threat, no matter the makeup of the team. Gunner Stockton is now, at least according to Matt DeBary, bestowed the chance to lead Georgia to more hardware and continue their run as the most successful CFB program of the 2020s.
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