After four springs with Georgia football, Gunner Stockton finds a “different role.”

Gunner Stockton’s journey through the University of Georgia’s football program has been an evolving story of growth, expectation, and adaptation. After four springs with Georgia football, Stockton is now entering a pivotal stage in his career, where he is not only working on his individual development but also finding himself in a “different role” on the team—a role that could shape his future and the Bulldogs’ success for years to come.

For a player who was once the future of Georgia football at the quarterback position, Stockton’s journey has not followed a traditional path. Unlike many other five-star quarterbacks, who immediately step into starting roles, Stockton has had to wait, develop, and, more importantly, adjust to the evolving dynamics of one of college football’s most elite programs. But as spring practices and fall camps continue, Stockton’s growing role in Georgia’s offense could become one of the most compelling storylines of the 2024 season.

This spring marked an important moment for Stockton, who is now entering his fourth year with the team. As Georgia’s quarterback depth chart remains crowded with talented players, the pressure on Stockton to define his role and carve out his place in the offense has never been higher. The competition is fierce, and with new offensive strategies under head coach Kirby Smart and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, Stockton’s evolving position on the team is more critical than ever. The young quarterback, who arrived with the weight of immense expectations, now finds himself adjusting to a different kind of role within the team’s dynamic.

The Arrival of Gunner Stockton at Georgia: High Expectations

Gunner Stockton’s arrival at Georgia was highly anticipated. A five-star recruit out of Rabun County, Georgia, Stockton was regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in the 2022 recruiting class. With a blend of arm strength, athleticism, and a natural football IQ, Stockton’s potential was evident from the moment he committed to the Bulldogs. His high school career was filled with accolades, and he had the type of playmaking ability that could translate to an immediate impact on a major program like Georgia.

Georgia had a need at quarterback in the near future, and Stockton appeared to be the ideal candidate to lead the team once Stetson Bennett, Georgia’s legendary quarterback, moved on. Stockton’s commitment to Georgia raised expectations, as fans were eager to see a quarterback who could potentially match, or even surpass, Bennett’s level of success. While many expected Stockton to play a leading role early in his career, his path would not be as straightforward.

The Quarterback Competition: The Challenge of Living Up to Expectations

As with most top-tier programs, competition for the quarterback position is fierce. Stockton entered Georgia with a deep quarterback room, one that included Bennett, the 2021 and 2022 National Championship-winning quarterback, along with other talented players. Despite his immense talent, Stockton found himself playing behind Bennett, whose leadership and clutch performances played a central role in Georgia’s back-to-back national championships.

For a player like Stockton, who was used to being the focal point of his high school offense, sitting behind a player like Bennett wasn’t an easy adjustment. However, it also provided Stockton with invaluable experience, as he learned from one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in Georgia’s history. During this time, Stockton took a backseat, learned the intricacies of Georgia’s system, and spent his time developing physically and mentally, preparing for the day when his opportunity would come.

The competition in the quarterback room became even more intense as Georgia brought in other quarterbacks, including Brock Vandagriff and Carson Beck, further complicating Stockton’s journey to the starting job. In a highly competitive environment, Stockton had to adjust and find his own path rather than trying to immediately assert himself as the leader of the offense.

A “Different Role” in 2024: Embracing Adaptation

Entering 2024, Stockton faces a different role than he might have originally envisioned when he first arrived at Georgia. As he enters his fourth spring with the Bulldogs, the competition for the starting quarterback role is still ongoing. Carson Beck, a veteran who has been in the program for years, is emerging as the front-runner for the starting position. As such, Stockton finds himself in a new role—one that requires him to embrace adaptation and patience, traits that are often underappreciated in a world that emphasizes immediate success and instant gratification.

Stockton’s “different role” has less to do with his abilities and more to do with his maturation as both a player and a person. Rather than being the highly-touted recruit who is expected to be the immediate starter, Stockton now finds himself adjusting to a system where he may not be the first choice to take snaps on game day. However, this shift in role doesn’t mean Stockton’s value to the team has diminished. In fact, it offers him an opportunity to refine his game, continue learning from his coaches and teammates, and prepare for the day when his moment to shine arrives.

This period of adaptation has been essential for Stockton’s growth. Under the guidance of Kirby Smart and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, Stockton has been working on areas of his game that were once weaknesses, while continuing to develop his strengths. His arm strength has become more precise, his decision-making sharper, and his understanding of Georgia’s complex offensive system more complete. Although Stockton’s primary competition for the starting role is fierce, his evolving skill set makes him an invaluable asset to the team.

Additionally, Stockton’s role as a potential future leader of the program goes beyond his play on the field. Even if he isn’t named the starting quarterback right away, his leadership and influence in the locker room are becoming increasingly vital. His work ethic, attitude, and support for his teammates are important contributions to the team’s success. For a program like Georgia, where the competition for positions is always fierce, a player like Stockton who is willing to accept a “different role” and put the team first can be a cornerstone of a winning culture.

The Importance of Player Development and Patience

While it’s easy to get caught up in the hype surrounding highly-recruited players like Stockton, the reality of college football is that player development takes time. Not every five-star recruit will immediately step into a starting role and lead their team to championships. Instead, players must undergo years of refinement, learning, and improvement to fully realize their potential. Stockton is no exception to this process.

In many ways, Stockton’s journey mirrors the development of other successful Georgia quarterbacks. The most notable example is Stetson Bennett, who wasn’t immediately thrust into the spotlight as a starter but worked his way up the ranks before leading Georgia to two national titles. Bennett’s patience, development, and eventual rise to prominence serve as a valuable lesson for Stockton and other young players in the program. The success of Bennett proves that hard work, discipline, and timing can lead to great things—even if a player has to bide their time before getting a shot.

Stockton, like Bennett, is now at a crossroads in his career. His development as a player has prepared him for the next phase, whether that means securing the starting job in 2024 or continuing to build on his skills while supporting the team from a backup position. Either way, Stockton’s future is bright, and his patience and commitment to improving will determine how impactful he will be for Georgia moving forward.

Supporting the Team and Embracing His Role

For Gunner Stockton, the key to success in 2024 lies in his ability to embrace his role, whatever that may be, and support his teammates. If he is not the starting quarterback, his job will be to stay prepared, continue learning, and provide leadership and support from the sidelines. His work ethic and attitude will influence the other quarterbacks in the room and set the tone for the rest of the team.

For Georgia, Stockton’s willingness to accept his “different role” and focus on the team’s success rather than individual accolades speaks to the culture Kirby Smart has built in Athens. Smart’s approach to team-building and competition has created an environment where players are expected to put the team first and help in any way they can—whether on the field or off. This approach has paid off with back-to-back national championships, and players like Stockton will continue to play an important role in maintaining that standard.