Gunner Stockton’s Teammates Give Inside Scoop on the Georgia Quarterback

There’s always intrigue when a new quarterback emerges as a potential leader for the Georgia Bulldogs, especially one like Gunner Stockton, whose name has circled among fans and media since he first set foot in Athens. The former four-star recruit and high school record-breaker arrived with lofty expectations and a powerful arm to match. But beyond the practice reps and highlight throws, Stockton has become a figure of growing influence within the Georgia locker room—someone his teammates speak highly of, not just for his talent, but for who he is behind the facemask.

Now entering a pivotal stage in his collegiate career, Stockton finds himself in the mix for a potential future starting role. With Carson Beck entrenched as QB1 for the 2024 season, Stockton has nevertheless remained a subject of considerable buzz, especially as Georgia looks to solidify its quarterback depth in a post-Bennett era. To understand Stockton’s trajectory, one must look beyond the depth chart and instead to the voices that know him best—his teammates.

From offensive linemen to wide receivers and even defensive players who’ve battled him in scrimmages, the consensus is strikingly consistent: Gunner Stockton has the respect of the Georgia locker room.

Freshman wideout Anthony Evans didn’t hesitate when asked about Stockton after a spring practice session. “He’s a natural leader,” Evans said. “Even when he’s not the one getting the most snaps, he’s involved. He’s in your ear, helping you with reads, telling you what the defense might do. You feel like he’s already a coach out there.”

That kind of presence—attentive, vocal, and committed—has helped Stockton endear himself to players and coaches alike. Though he hasn’t taken the reins in a regular season game as a starter, his preparation and demeanor have left a lasting impression on the Bulldogs’ offense.

Offensive guard Tate Ratledge, a veteran on the O-line, spoke about the quiet confidence Stockton exudes. “He’s not a rah-rah guy all the time, but he knows how to fire us up when it matters,” Ratledge said. “In the huddle, you trust him. That’s huge. You can tell he puts the work in.”

That work includes hours spent studying film, mastering Georgia’s complex offensive playbook, and shadowing offensive coordinator Mike Bobo to better understand the system. Despite having limited on-field opportunities, Stockton has shown his mental readiness to step up if needed. The ability to process information, communicate it clearly, and maintain poise under pressure are all elements his teammates point to when explaining why he’s viewed as a key figure, even behind the scenes.

Running back Roderick Robinson noted how Stockton often stays late after practice to run routes with second- and third-string receivers. “He doesn’t have to do that,” Robinson said. “But he does it anyway. That tells you the kind of guy he is. He wants to get better, but he also wants to make everyone around him better too.”

Leadership is one thing, but performance is another. In controlled settings—practices, scrimmages, and limited game action—Stockton has displayed the skills that once made him one of the nation’s top high school quarterbacks. Known for his cannon arm and mobility, Stockton can sling it 60 yards downfield just as easily as he can tuck and run for a first down. In today’s game, where quarterbacks are asked to be dynamic creators, Stockton fits the mold.

Linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson, who has faced Stockton in numerous scrimmages, offered perhaps the highest praise of all. “That dude can play. He keeps defenses honest. If we give him a window, he’s going to hit it. And if we don’t keep containment, he’ll hurt you with his legs. He’s got that gamer mentality.”

Defensive players often provide some of the most honest assessments of opposing quarterbacks, and for Dumas-Johnson to speak so highly of Stockton, it suggests that the QB’s talents extend beyond hype.

While he’s yet to be the full-time starter, Stockton has benefitted from the culture Kirby Smart has built at Georgia—one that encourages competition, resilience, and readiness. At a program with as much quarterback talent as Georgia, Stockton’s patience has stood out just as much as his potential.

“I think it says a lot that he’s still here,” said wide receiver Arian Smith. “In this era, guys leave all the time if they don’t play right away. Gunner’s stuck with it. That shows maturity and belief in himself. When his time comes, he’ll be ready.”

That time could come sooner than expected. While Beck has secured the starting role, college football’s unpredictable nature—injuries, game plans, performance dips—means Stockton must remain one play away. Coaches have praised his consistency and commitment, and the word around the program is that Stockton has taken major strides in reading coverages and managing tempo at the line of scrimmage.

“Last season, he was watching,” said tight end Oscar Delp. “This year, he’s more vocal. You can see it. He’ll call out blitzes, adjust routes, and he’s not afraid to take a shot downfield. That growth is what you want to see from a young quarterback.”

Teammates also emphasized Stockton’s intangibles—his humility, his work ethic, and his authenticity. Known for his Southern roots and grounded personality, Stockton hasn’t let the spotlight get to his head. He’s been spotted attending other Georgia athletic events, supporting fellow student-athletes, and even mentoring younger players on the team.

“He’s not too cool for anyone,” said freshman QB Ryan Puglisi. “He helped me a lot when I got here. I was learning the system, and Gunner would take time to explain things to me. That meant a lot.”

While the quarterback competition will remain fierce—especially with Puglisi and five-star Dylan Raiola pushing for roles—Stockton’s presence brings stability and leadership to the room. In a sport where transfers are more common than ever, the fact that Stockton has stayed the course speaks volumes about his character.

As Georgia continues spring practice and prepares for the season ahead, the quarterback room is likely to remain under scrutiny. Beck’s performance will be watched closely, and any dip could open the door for Stockton. Even if his moment doesn’t come in 2024, his teammates believe Stockton’s time will come.

“He’s too good not to play somewhere,” Ratledge said. “Whether it’s here or somewhere else down the line, he’s going to make an impact.”

For now, Stockton remains focused on one goal—helping Georgia win. Whether he’s taking snaps in mop-up duty, running the scout team, or preparing for the eventual opportunity, Stockton has already earned the respect of the players who matter most.

“You can’t teach leadership,” Evans said. “And Gunner has it. That’s what makes him different.”

In the ever-shifting landscape of college football, where players come and go and depth charts change overnight, some stories remain timeless: the underdog waiting for his chance, the backup who earns the locker room’s trust, the teammate who leads when no one’s watching. For the Georgia Bulldogs, Gunner Stockton is all of that—and more. And if his teammates are any indication, the best may be yet to come.