Why the Georgia Bulldogs are gonna fight for Gunner Stockton
The Georgia Bulldogs have established themselves as one of the premier programs in college football over the past few years, and they are not slowing down. Under the leadership of head coach Kirby Smart, Georgia has built an elite recruiting machine, consistently bringing in top talent from across the country. But even as the Bulldogs continue to reload with top-tier recruits at virtually every position, one position remains paramount to their continued success: quarterback. In the 2024 recruiting cycle, Georgia has set its sights on a new quarterback recruit who could be the centerpiece of their offense for years to come: Gunner Stockton.
Stockton, a 6-foot-1, 205-pound quarterback from the state of Georgia, is one of the most highly sought-after prospects in the country. His combination of skill, arm strength, athleticism, and leadership has made him a top target for virtually every college program. With Georgia’s track record of developing top quarterbacks, it’s easy to see why Stockton is at the top of their radar.
What makes Stockton such an appealing prospect for Georgia, and why are they going to fight so hard to land him? Let’s take a closer look at his skills, his fit in Georgia’s offensive system, and how his recruitment could shape the future of the Bulldogs’ program.
First and foremost, Stockton is an extremely talented quarterback who brings an impressive set of physical tools to the table. His arm strength is one of his defining attributes. He can make every throw on the field, from deep passes down the sideline to quick outs and intermediate routes. Stockton has the ability to throw the ball with velocity, but he also possesses excellent touch on his passes, allowing him to hit his receivers in stride on deeper routes.
In addition to his arm strength, Stockton is incredibly mobile. He isn’t just a quarterback who can sit back in the pocket and wait for his receivers to get open. He’s a dynamic playmaker who can extend plays with his legs. Stockton has shown that he can make plays when the pocket breaks down, using his speed and elusiveness to gain extra yardage on the ground. This dual-threat capability gives him a unique edge over other quarterbacks in the 2024 class, especially considering Georgia’s success with quarterbacks who can also pose a rushing threat, such as the development of dual-threat quarterbacks like Justin Fields and the more traditional but efficient Jake Fromm.
Another key strength of Stockton’s game is his football IQ. He is an incredibly smart player who reads defenses well and understands the nuances of offensive football. His decision-making is advanced for his age, and he rarely makes poor decisions, even in high-pressure situations. This type of poise is invaluable in Georgia’s system, where managing the game and taking what the defense gives you is a critical part of the offensive strategy.
Beyond the physical traits and on-field skills, Stockton also possesses leadership qualities that have drawn attention from coaches and scouts alike. His high school coach and teammates speak highly of his ability to rally his team, keep morale high, and perform in clutch situations. These intangibles—such as his mental toughness and leadership—are qualities that are highly valued in college football, particularly for a quarterback who will eventually be the face of a program as prestigious as Georgia.
For the Bulldogs, Gunner Stockton represents a potential game-changer. Georgia’s offense has been highly successful in recent years, driven largely by a strong running game, elite offensive line play, and a steady, game-managing quarterback. However, the next phase in Georgia’s evolution is the ability to move toward a more dynamic, explosive passing attack that can match the high-flying offenses of other college football powerhouses.
Georgia has made great strides in recruiting and developing talent on the offensive side of the ball. They’ve built one of the most well-rounded teams in the country, with an elite defense, an offensive line that can push around any opponent, and a group of playmakers at running back and wide receiver. But the one position that has remained somewhat inconsistent over the years is quarterback. While players like Jake Fromm, Stetson Bennett, and now Carson Beck have all been solid and effective quarterbacks, none have fully taken over games in the way that some of the top quarterbacks in college football today do.
The Bulldogs have long prided themselves on being a tough, physical team, but as college football trends toward more high-powered offenses, the ability to produce consistently through the air becomes even more crucial. With Stockton’s skill set, Georgia would have the opportunity to evolve offensively. While Georgia has relied heavily on its defense and running game, bringing in a quarterback like Stockton allows the Bulldogs to open up their playbook and be more dynamic on offense. He could be the key to Georgia taking the next step toward becoming a perennial national title contender, with a balanced offense that is dangerous through the air and on the ground.
One of the primary reasons Georgia is so invested in Gunner Stockton is because of how well he fits in their offensive system. While Georgia has traditionally been known for its smash-mouth style of football, head coach Kirby Smart has shown a willingness to adapt to the changing landscape of college football. His commitment to building a pro-style offense that can both run and pass effectively makes the Bulldogs a great fit for a quarterback like Stockton.
Stockton’s dual-threat ability would allow Georgia to run a more versatile offense. In the SEC, teams that can’t adapt to high-powered offenses often get left behind. Programs like Alabama, LSU, and Florida have relied on elite quarterbacks to push the ball downfield and outscore their opponents. While Georgia’s defense has always been a strength, recruiting a quarterback with Stockton’s talent would allow them to add another dimension to their offense and keep pace with some of the SEC’s other powerhouse teams.
At Georgia, Stockton would be able to work with a staff that knows how to develop quarterbacks and tailor offensive schemes to their strengths. The Bulldogs have produced NFL-caliber quarterbacks under Kirby Smart, and Stockton would be in excellent hands as he develops into one of the most exciting quarterbacks in college football.
Another factor that makes Stockton such an ideal fit for Georgia is the Bulldogs’ recent trend of recruiting elite athletes at all positions, especially wide receiver and running back. Stockton would have access to some of the best playmakers in the country, which would give him a supporting cast that would allow him to flourish. Georgia has built a system that has an emphasis on balance—running the ball while taking shots downfield when the defense overcommits. This is exactly the kind of system that would enable Stockton to showcase his arm strength and ability to make quick, accurate decisions.
Though Georgia has produced solid quarterbacks over the years, recent success stories show the kind of quarterback development program that would appeal to someone like Stockton. Stetson Bennett’s emergence as the Bulldogs’ starting quarterback is a case in point. Bennett wasn’t initially viewed as the prototypical star quarterback, but under the guidance of Smart and offensive coordinator Todd Monken, he evolved into a national champion and one of the most reliable quarterbacks in college football. Bennett’s ability to manage games, extend plays, and lead his team to victory is a great example of what can happen when a quarterback is put in the right system and given the right development tools.
Bennett’s success proves that Georgia is more than capable of developing quarterbacks in their system, even if they don’t immediately have all the hype and media attention. However, with a talent like Stockton, the potential is through the roof. Unlike Bennett, Stockton arrives at Georgia as one of the most highly-touted quarterbacks in the nation, with all the physical traits and intangibles that make him a future star. The possibility of pairing Stockton with Georgia’s elite coaching staff, as well as their stable of talented offensive players, makes this an extremely enticing opportunity for both the player and the program.
Georgia will face stiff competition in their recruitment of Gunner Stockton. Top-tier programs such as Alabama, Clemson, and Ohio State have all shown interest in him, and any one of those programs would be lucky to have him as their quarterback. These schools offer their own brand of excellence, with powerful football legacies and elite offensive systems that could make them attractive options for Stockton.
However, Georgia has the advantage of being a program that is not only in a strong position to compete for national championships year in and year out, but one that has also developed a reputation for fostering successful quarterbacks. Kirby Smart and his staff have demonstrated that they are able to take talented quarterbacks and elevate them to the next level, and Stockton is exactly the kind of quarterback who can help them continue their rise.
The Bulldogs also have the benefit of Stockton’s home state connection. Playing for the University of Georgia would allow him to stay close to home, something that often appeals to in-state recruits who want to represent their local community while competing at the highest level. The strong support from Georgia fans and the pride in playing for a national powerhouse adds another layer of appeal to the Bulldogs’ pitch.
The Georgia Bulldogs are going to fight hard for Gunner Stockton because he represents not just the future of their quarterback position, but also the next evolution of their offense. With his combination of arm strength, mobility, football IQ, and leadership, Stockton is a perfect fit for what Kirby Smart and his staff are looking for in a quarterback. With Georgia’s recruiting prowess and their ability to develop top-tier quarterbacks, Stockton could be the player who helps them take their program to the next level, turning the Bulldogs into an even more potent offensive juggernaut.
If they manage to land Stockton, Georgia would solidify their place as one of the top programs in college football for years to come, and Stockton would be at the center of it all. Whether it’s competing for SEC titles, national championships, or developing into an NFL-caliber quarterback, Stockton’s decision to commit to Georgia would be a huge win for the Bulldogs’ future. The fight for Gunner Stockton is one that Georgia will continue to press on with every resource at their disposal, because they know how much he could shape their destiny on the football field.
