David Pollack believes that Carson Beck in 2024 will be surpassed by Gunner Stockton

In the ever-evolving world of college football, the quarterback position is often the most closely scrutinized. As the University of Georgia prepares for another season, much of the attention is naturally directed toward the quarterback battle and the future of their signal-calling responsibilities. Amid this intrigue, former Georgia Bulldog and ESPN analyst David Pollack recently made waves by predicting that Carson Beck, Georgia’s current starting quarterback for 2024, will eventually be surpassed by Gunner Stockton, a highly touted freshman quarterback. This prediction has stirred up considerable debate among Bulldogs fans, sports analysts, and football enthusiasts alike, raising questions about the dynamics of the quarterback room at Georgia and whether Stockton could indeed overtake Beck.

This prediction, while bold, carries a significant amount of weight considering Pollack’s history with the Bulldogs and his deep understanding of Georgia football. Pollack, a former standout linebacker who helped lead the Bulldogs to the national title game in 2002, has a unique perspective on the team. His analysis of the quarterback situation isn’t just based on gut feeling but is grounded in the realities of Georgia football’s program, talent evaluation, and historical trends.

This article will explore Pollack’s prediction in depth, assessing the current status of both Carson Beck and Gunner Stockton, the factors that could lead to Stockton surpassing Beck, and the implications of such a move for Georgia’s 2024 season.

Carson Beck: Georgia’s Current Starting Quarterback

Carson Beck, a 6’4”, 215-pound quarterback from Jacksonville, Florida, has been a part of the Georgia Bulldogs program since 2020. While he has spent much of his early career waiting in the wings behind former Georgia quarterbacks Stetson Bennett and JT Daniels, Beck is now stepping into the spotlight as the starting quarterback for 2024. His rise to the top of Georgia’s quarterback depth chart marks the culmination of years of preparation and a patient progression through the ranks.

Beck has shown flashes of brilliance in limited action over the past few seasons. He was primarily used as a backup to Stetson Bennett, and while his opportunities were limited, his performance during those chances was generally solid. Beck has the physical tools that many coaches covet in a quarterback: a strong arm, good pocket awareness, and an ability to read defenses effectively. His frame and arm strength make him an ideal candidate for the modern, pro-style offense that Georgia has embraced under head coach Kirby Smart.

In 2023, Beck appeared in several games, including a few starts when Bennett was unavailable or rested. His play was encouraging, and many saw him as a capable backup and potential future starter. However, some remained unsure about whether Beck could truly take the reins of the offense and lead Georgia to another national title, given that he was untested in the most high-pressure situations.

Gunner Stockton: The Rising Star

Enter Gunner Stockton, the highly acclaimed freshman quarterback from Raven County, Georgia, who arrives in Athens with a ton of hype surrounding him. Stockton, a four-star recruit and one of the top quarterbacks in the 2023 recruiting class, was known for his incredible playmaking ability in high school. He led his team to a state championship, demonstrating his talent both as a passer and a runner. At 6’1″ and 210 pounds, Stockton possesses good size for a modern quarterback and has a combination of mobility and arm strength that makes him a dual-threat weapon.

Stockton’s high school career was nothing short of spectacular. He finished his senior year with impressive passing numbers, throwing for over 4,000 yards and accounting for more than 50 touchdowns. What stood out most about Stockton was his poise under pressure and his ability to make big plays in clutch moments. His athleticism allows him to extend plays with his legs, and his ability to make pinpoint throws while on the move makes him a dangerous weapon in both the short and long game.

While Stockton’s college experience will be a big step up from high school competition, his potential is undeniable. He has the tools to be a standout at the collegiate level, and many people within the program believe that his future is bright. As a freshman, however, Stockton will likely have to wait his turn behind Beck unless he can prove he’s ready to take over the offense sooner than expected.

David Pollack’s Prediction: Why Beck Could Be Surpassed

David Pollack’s prediction that Gunner Stockton will surpass Carson Beck in 2024 is not without merit. While Beck is the current starter and has an advantage in terms of experience, there are several factors that could lead to Stockton eventually taking over the reins of the Georgia offense.

1. Gunner Stockton’s Talent and Versatility

One of the biggest reasons Pollack may have predicted Stockton’s eventual rise is the sheer talent that Stockton brings to the table. His ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground gives him an edge in an increasingly dynamic college football landscape. As offenses evolve, dual-threat quarterbacks have become more and more valuable, and Stockton’s ability to make things happen with both his arm and his legs could provide Georgia with a higher ceiling than Beck’s more traditional pocket-passing style.

Stockton’s mobility and playmaking ability will be especially important in big games against top-tier SEC defenses, where the ability to escape pressure and extend plays can be a game-changer. Beck has shown he can make the necessary throws in the pocket, but Stockton’s added dimension could give Georgia’s offense a more diverse and unpredictable approach.

2. Beck’s Experience vs. His Lack of Proven Success in Big Games

While Carson Beck has been with Georgia for several years, and has been solid in his opportunities, he still lacks significant experience in high-pressure, high-stakes games. Beck has played in a few important games, but his role has always been secondary to Stetson Bennett, whose leadership and experience carried Georgia to multiple championships. The key question is whether Beck can replicate the success Georgia experienced with Bennett, who was able to deliver in clutch moments and lead his team to two consecutive national titles.

If Beck struggles in the early games of the season, especially in pivotal matchups or against tough SEC opponents, Georgia’s coaching staff might begin to evaluate Stockton’s readiness to take over the starting job. The team will need someone who can handle the pressure of the big moments, and Stockton’s confidence and playmaking ability might make him a more appealing option if Beck falters.

3. Georgia’s Offensive System and the Need for a Dual-Threat Quarterback

Under Kirby Smart, Georgia has traditionally favored a run-heavy, pro-style offense. However, as the college football landscape has evolved, many teams, including Georgia, have incorporated more diverse offensive schemes that include mobile quarterbacks capable of running the ball. With teams like Alabama and LSU incorporating dual-threat quarterbacks into their systems, Georgia may begin to see the value in having a quarterback who can both throw and run effectively.

While Beck has the ability to be successful in a more traditional system, Stockton’s ability to provide that additional threat in the running game could make him a better fit for a modern college football offense. In the SEC, where defenses are often fast and physical, having a quarterback who can make plays with his legs could be the difference between winning and losing, particularly in tight games against elite defenses.

4. Stockton’s Rapid Development and Desire to Compete

Stockton is entering Georgia with the mindset of competing for the starting job immediately. His competitive nature and desire to play early could push him to develop quickly and prove that he’s ready to take on the challenge of being the Bulldogs’ starting quarterback. If he impresses in practices and in early season games, especially during a potential quarterback competition in the spring and summer, it could be difficult for Georgia to keep him off the field for long.

5. The Weight of Expectations and the Evolution of College Football

Lastly, as Georgia has solidified itself as one of the premier programs in college football, expectations for success are through the roof. The Bulldogs will continue to recruit at an elite level, and as the program builds its future, it may not have time to wait for a quarterback like Beck to fully develop. If Stockton demonstrates he can lead the offense effectively and create big plays, the coaching staff may opt to go with the younger, more dynamic option.