After Georgia Spring Game, Kirby Smart Offers Candid Opinions on QBs Gunner Stockton and Ryan Puglisi.
Georgia’s annual spring game, head coach Kirby Smart provided insights into the performances and development of quarterbacks Gunner Stockton and Ryan Puglisi, offering a candid assessment of their progress and readiness for the upcoming season.
Gunner Stockton: Leadership and Experience
Gunner Stockton, a redshirt sophomore, has emerged as a pivotal figure in Georgia’s quarterback landscape. Stepping in during the SEC Championship Game after starter Carson Beck’s injury, Stockton led the Bulldogs to a 22–19 overtime victory against Texas. Smart lauded Stockton’s leadership qualities, stating, “All the players play harder for him.” He emphasized that a key trait in a quarterback is their ability to elevate the play of those around them, noting, “Do you make the players around you better is what you look for in a quarterback.” Smart further highlighted Stockton’s decision-making and accuracy, mentioning, “He makes really good decisions. He has accuracy.” He also praised Stockton’s athleticism and background, adding, “He has athletic ability and talent… He’s been raised around football.”
Ryan Puglisi: Potential with Room for Growth
Ryan Puglisi, a redshirt freshman, has shown promise since joining Georgia. Smart acknowledged Puglisi’s competitive nature and physical attributes, stating, “He’s a competitor. He’s got arm talent. He’s got size.” He also noted Puglisi’s strong high school performance and competitiveness during recruitment. However, Smart pointed out that Puglisi has considerable development ahead, particularly in mastering the offensive system, mentioning, “He does have a long way to go in terms of learning exactly what we’re asking him to do.” He emphasized the importance of Puglisi gaining a deeper understanding of the offense’s complexity and command.
Coaching Philosophy: Comprehensive Development
Smart’s approach to quarterback development is holistic, ensuring that all potential leaders are prepared for any situation. He highlighted the consistent practice opportunities provided to backups, stating, “They get work each and every week… They get reps.” This strategy aims to maintain readiness across the roster, emphasizing the unpredictability of the quarterback position. Smart reflected on the importance of this approach, saying, “I like to take pride in getting more quarterback development than anybody.” He underscored the necessity of evaluating all quarterbacks to determine their potential contributions, stating, “We’re constantly looking at it saying, ‘Okay, this is the future of our program. What do we have? Who can play? Who can’t?'”
Looking Ahead: Spring Practices and G-Day
As spring practices progress, Smart has observed positive developments in both quarterbacks. He noted that Puglisi, despite his initial challenges, has shown improvement, stating, “He’s getting better at all those things.” Smart also reflected on Puglisi’s resilience and competitiveness, mentioning, “He never flinched during the recruiting process.” With G-Day on the horizon, Smart’s evaluations will be crucial in determining the depth chart and preparing the team for the upcoming season.
A Balanced Quarterback Room
Kirby Smart’s assessments reveal a quarterback room characterized by experience, leadership, and potential. Gunner Stockton’s proven leadership and in-game experience position him as a strong candidate for the starting role. Ryan Puglisi’s physical talents and competitive spirit offer a promising outlook, provided he continues to develop his understanding of the complex offensive system. Smart’s commitment to comprehensive quarterback development ensures that both players are equipped to contribute effectively, maintaining Georgia’s competitive edge in the SEC.
