Inside information about Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton is provided by his teammates.

When a quarterback steps into the spotlight at a powerhouse program like Georgia, the scrutiny is immediate and the expectations immense. But for redshirt sophomore Gunner Stockton, the pressure appears to be just fuel for his fire. With Carson Beck off to the NFL and the starting quarterback position up for grabs, all eyes in Athens have turned to Stockton. And while fans and analysts speculate about his arm strength, pocket presence, and game management, the most telling evaluations come from those who know him best—his teammates.

Stockton, a former four-star recruit out of Rabun County High School in Georgia, has waited patiently for his opportunity. He’s learned behind Stetson Bennett and Carson Beck, developed under offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, and earned the respect of the locker room. As the Bulldogs prepare for yet another run at the SEC Championship and College Football Playoff, Stockton is at the center of a heated quarterback competition. But behind the scenes, according to his teammates, he’s already separated himself in more ways than one.

“He’s the most competitive dude on the team”

Linebacker Smael Mondon doesn’t mince words when asked about Stockton’s presence during spring practices.

“He’s the most competitive dude on the team, man,” Mondon says. “Even in the weight room or playing cards after practice, Gunner wants to win at everything. And it’s not just about being loud or cocky. He prepares like a vet, and you can tell he’s hungry for this moment.”

That edge, that relentless competitiveness, is something coaches have praised since Stockton first arrived on campus. Teammates recall late-night film sessions and off-day throwing sessions where Stockton took command, pulling together receivers and demanding excellence.

“He’ll text us at 9:30 at night like, ‘Y’all trying to get some work in tomorrow?’” receiver Arian Smith says. “He’s not just going through the motions. Gunner wants to make sure we’re on the same page, that we’re building something.”

“He’s got the locker room”

Quarterback competitions can divide a locker room, especially in high-profile programs. But multiple Georgia players say that Stockton’s authenticity and leadership style have earned him trust across both sides of the ball.

“Gunner’s one of those guys you just want to go to war with,” said senior offensive lineman Tate Ratledge. “He’s not fake. He talks when he needs to, but mostly he leads by how he works. That goes a long way in this program.”

Tight end Oscar Delp, who is projected to be one of the key offensive weapons in 2025, echoed that sentiment.

“He’s a dude you feel confident with in the huddle,” Delp says. “He communicates clearly, he stays calm even when the defense brings heat, and he’ll take ownership if something goes wrong. That’s rare.”

Perhaps the strongest signal of team-wide respect comes from the defensive backs, who go head-to-head with Stockton every day in practice.

“He doesn’t flinch,” says safety Malaki Starks. “We throw a lot at the QBs with our coverages and disguises, but he’s gotten really sharp. He’s seeing stuff pre-snap now and picking us apart. That’s when you know a quarterback is starting to elevate.”

“He’s more athletic than people think”

Stockton came out of high school with a reputation as a prolific passer who could run when needed. But according to his teammates, his athleticism has improved significantly since then—and it might just be one of the most underrated parts of his game.

“People don’t realize how mobile he is,” says linebacker CJ Allen. “He’s strong, too. We’ve seen him shake off sacks in practice and pick up first downs with his legs. He’s got that creative playmaker gene.”

In fact, during Georgia’s second spring scrimmage, Stockton reportedly broke off a 30-yard scramble for a touchdown after evading pressure in the pocket—a moment that fired up the entire sideline.

“That run? That’s when I knew he was different,” says cornerback Daylen Everette. “Not just because of the athleticism, but the awareness. He kept his eyes downfield, made the read, and took off at the right moment. That’s instinct.”

“He’s got the arm talent to make every throw”

While leadership, mobility, and intangibles are great, a quarterback at Georgia must also have the arm to stretch defenses and make tight-window throws. Stockton, his receivers say, checks that box.

“We ran a deep post in practice last week, and he hit me perfectly in stride—60 yards in the air,” says wideout Dillon Bell. “That ball had juice, and it was placed right where it needed to be. I just smiled walking back to the huddle.”

Multiple teammates highlighted Stockton’s improved velocity and ball placement, particularly on out routes and red zone throws.

“He’s been working with Coach Bobo a lot on timing and anticipation,” says backup receiver Anthony Evans. “And it’s showing. He throws guys open now.”

One subtle part of Stockton’s growth, according to running back Roderick Robinson, is his understanding of when to take risks and when to live to fight another down.

“Last year, he might’ve forced a few throws,” Robinson says. “Now, he’s going through progressions quicker, checking down when he needs to, but still taking shots when they’re there. That’s growth.”

“He studies like a coach”

Behind every successful quarterback is a relentless student of the game. And for Stockton, that part of his development might be where he’s made the most strides.

“He’s always in the film room,” says freshman wide receiver Nitro Tuggle. “I’m still learning the system, and Gunner’s helped me more than anyone. He’ll break down coverages and tell me what to look for in certain looks. It’s like having a player-coach on the field.”

Even defensive players have noticed how much more prepared Stockton looks during practice.

“He knows our signals sometimes before the snap,” Mondon jokes. “I swear, he’s reading everything—safety rotation, linebacker shifts, all of it. You can tell he’s locked in on the mental side.”

Quarterbacks coach Mike Bobo has reportedly given Stockton increasing control over pre-snap adjustments, signaling trust in his ability to diagnose defenses and get the offense into the right play.

“That’s the next level,” Delp says. “When you’re not just executing the call but adjusting based on what the defense shows—that’s when you take command.”

Building Momentum

With G-Day approaching, the momentum seems to be building around Stockton. Though Georgia has other talented quarterbacks in the room, including true freshman Ryan Puglisi and redshirt freshman Brock Vandagriff, Stockton appears to be setting the pace.

“Gunner’s just stacking good days,” says center Sedrick Van Pran. “That’s what Coach Smart talks about—consistency. Gunner’s locked in, and it’s showing every day.”

The coaching staff has kept the quarterback competition close to the vest, but insiders say Stockton has been getting the lion’s share of first-team reps since the second week of spring camp.

“He’s earned it,” Ratledge says. “And more than that, he’s making the guys around him better.”

That, ultimately, may be the deciding factor.

The Path Forward

Georgia’s 2025 schedule doesn’t offer much of a soft landing. The Bulldogs open the season against Clemson in Atlanta, a game that will immediately test whoever wins the starting job.

But if Stockton continues on his current trajectory, many in Athens believe he’ll be the one under center.

“He’s not just ready,” says Starks. “He’s built for this.”

In an era of constant transfer movement and short attention spans, Stockton’s story is a throwback: a homegrown quarterback who stayed the course, developed patiently, and waited for his turn. Now, that turn appears to have arrived.

“It’s gonna be fun to watch,” Smith says. “Because once Gunner gets rolling, I don’t think he’s giving that spot back.”

And if the words of his teammates are any indication, Georgia fans might soon be watching the next great quarterback in a lineage that includes legends like Buck Belue, David Greene, and Matthew Stafford.

But unlike some of those predecessors, Stockton will take the field not just with fanfare—but with the full backing of the men in the trenches, the ones catching his passes, and the ones trying to pick him off.

That’s more than hype. That’s respect.