Last week, when Georgia announced that quarterback Gunner Stockton would be one of three players representing the Bulldogs at SEC Media Days, it was a bit of a shock since he hasn’t been named the starter.
However, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart believes Stockton earned the opportunity to meet with the media because of the leadership he has demonstrated this summer. He is entering his fourth season with the program.
“He’s done a tremendous job this summer,” Smart said to reporters on Tuesday at SEC Media Days. “We talked to the staff about it and felt like the play he had at the end of the year last year, the plays with half of a game and full game, what he’s done this spring, he deserved to come. He is the guy that leads that offense right now.”
According to Smart, Stockton has adopted a leadership mentality. Even his teammates have seen it on full display.
Cornerback Daylen Everette has played with Stockton the past three years and has noticed a change in his quarterback.
“He’s done a good job stepping into that role,” Everette said. “He’s not backing down from it. He’s really embracing it.”
Stockton has also seen a change in himself, especially on the field, in the huddle, and on the sidelines. He believes that he has become a more vocal leader, which has worked to his advantage.
“I think it’s just a different role,” Stockton said. “When you look back, I get more attention in Athens getting pictures and stuff like that, 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.”
Stockton is likely to win the starting job at fall camp in early August, but redshirt freshman Ryan Puglisi will give it his all. The two have different skill sets, but Stockton is more established in the offense and has had more live-game reps.
Stockton led Georgia to a win over Texas in the SEC Championship game and started the Allstate Sugar Bowl against Notre Dame.
Stockton completed 32 of 48 passes for 305 yards, with one touchdown and one interception in those two games. He played in five games during 2024, completing 45 passes for 440 yards, along with one touchdown and one interception.
Smart just wants to see more out of his veteran quarterback before he names a starter.
“He’s separated himself as a great leader on the team,” Smart said of Stockton. “If you try to bring people here that can affect others, and he’s done that in spring practice. Ryan [Puglisi] has done awesome, too. Ryan and him are still going to be competing for everything they do. Gunner knows he’s got to go out and play well.”
Stockton feels like he is ready to be the next starting quarterback at Georgia, as it has been his lifelong dream.
“I’m comfortable with it. It’s something I grew up and I wanted to do my whole life: be the quarterback at the University of Georgia,” Stockton said. “I’m excited, and it’s been a good offseason so far.”