With Carson Beck transferring to Miami, Gunner Stockton has officially stepped into the spotlight as Georgia’s starting quarterback. The junior cemented his role by running with the first-team offense and delivering a notable scrimmage performance, completing 16 of 34 passes for 309 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
Stockton’s emergence follows his impressive showings in high-pressure moments last season. Former Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray endorsed the decision, expressing his confidence in Stockton’s readiness to lead the Bulldogs.
Stockton Secures Starting Role for Bulldogs; Murray Endorses Decision
Stockton has officially taken over as Georgia’s starting quarterback, stepping into the role with conviction following Beck’s transfer to Miami. Former Bulldogs quarterback and SEC all-time passing leader Aaron Murray made a compelling case for Stockton while speaking with On3’s J.D. PicKell, explaining why he believes the junior is ready to lead.
Murray acknowledged the perception of uncertainty surrounding Georgia’s offense but emphasized the confidence Stockton inspires.
“From all accounts and from everyone I’ve talked to, he is going to be QB1,” Murray said. “The biggest difference is… it’s just not there with the speed of understanding the offense” for others competing for the job.
He explained that while other quarterbacks may possess raw physical tools, Stockton has mastered the finer details of Georgia’s system, allowing him to elevate the players around him.
“He knows the system and can put everyone else in a position to go out there and play at a high level,” Murray noted.
Drawing from personal experience, Murray pointed out that quarterbacking in the SEC isn’t only about arm talent or mobility.
“It’s not at the quarterback position always about what you know… but can you put your offensive line in a position to pick up a backside corner blitz?” That, he said, is where Stockton separates itself.
Stockton’s poise was evident in big moments last season. He threw for 440 yards, one touchdown, and one interception while completing 70.3 percent of his passes. In the SEC title game, he entered with composure and commanded the offense without the team missing a beat.
“There wasn’t this, ‘oh shoot,’ sort of vibe,” Murray recalled. “It was like, now we got Gunner in the game. Let’s go now, baby.”
Murray also praised the culture of development under head coach Kirby Smart and coordinators Glenn Schumann and Mike Bobo.
“They’re going to get those guys—while they might not be experienced—they’re extremely talented and ready to go,” he said.
KEEP READING: Is Georgia Better Without Carson Beck? Insider’s Surprising Take on Georgia’s QB Gunner Stockton
Ultimately, Murray concluded,
“I think you have to trust the fact that, hey, Kirby Smart is still, in my opinion, the best coach in America,” and that trust now extends to Stockton leading the Bulldogs under center.
Though Stockton lacks the prototypical measurables and pedigree—he isn’t a former five-star recruit and doesn’t boast the 6-foot-4, 200-pound frame of his predecessor—his understanding of Georgia’s offense and steady development have earned him the QB1 nod in Athens.
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