Carson Beck explains decision to return in conversation with Aaron Murray

2023 was the first season where Carson Beck served as the Georgia Bulldogs‘ starting quarterback. However, he was determined not to make it his last, returning for his fifth season on campus in 2024.

While speaking to former Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray, Beck explained his decision to return for another season in Athens.

“I think the biggest thing for me was kind of looking back at the season and realizing how much fun I had,” Carson Beck said. “Like, I hadn’t gotten to play in so long, to be able to get the opportunity to go out and play the game I love again, I mean, you never know what’s gonna happen if you do leave and you do make that decision to go to the draft and do those things.”

Carson Beck joins Aaron Murray and @ThPlayersLounge and talks about coming back for his fifth year and the energy around the upcoming season.#GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/JNPYWZM8xo

— Georgia Bulldogs (@UGAAthletics) February 5, 2024

“And, like I said, when I looked back at the season, I had so much fun, I was like what do I have to lose, you know? Come back and do it all over again.”

Carson Beck had to wait his turn to become Georgia’s starting quarterback. He came to the team in the Class of 2020, but sat as a backup for his first three seasons, primarily behind Stetson Bennett. Along the way, the Bulldogs managed to win two national championships.

After a quarterback battle ahead of the 2023 season, Beck became the team’s starting quarterback. He led Georgia to an appearance in the SEC Championship Game and an Orange Bowl win, but in 2024, he’ll look to lead the Bulldogs to the College Football Playoff.

For the 2023 season, Carson Beck completed 72.4 percent for 3,941 yards and 24 touchdowns.

Kirby Smart shares importance of Carson Beck returning to Georgia

Shortly after Carson Beck made his decision to return to Georgia, head coach Kirby Smart shared what he brings to the team.

“He sets an example; he sets a tone. He watched a lot of quarterbacks before him go through a lot of things. He’s a leader in that meeting room, he’s a leader on the field. To have him back, it creates a lot of confidence and energy for our team,” Smart said.

“A lot of the guys around him on offense have more confidence because he’s coming aback and the defensive players know we’re gonna have the ability to score points and be explosive. When you have an experienced quarterback, it drives your offense. We’re lucky to have him coming back.”