Coaches Corner: Future quarterback depth is a good problem to have for Georgia

Georgia kept their successful ways rolling this past week as the Bulldogs earned the commitment of QB Dylan Raiola, the No. 1 player in On3’s 2024 Industry Rankings. While that adds yet another talented face in a room that’s already stacking up down in Athens, On3’s Jesse Simonton says that should be no issue for Kirby Smart.

Simonton shared that opinion with Josh Newberg on a recent edition of ‘Coaches Corner’. He called it an ‘ideal scenario’ for the ‘Dawgs. In the future, though, it’s something that could fall apart depending on everyone’s individual decisions.

“It’s a good problem to have,” Simonton said. “And I think that would be the perfect, ideal scenario for Kirby Smart if you gave him a little truth serum. (To) have four guys, four capable quarterbacks.

“I’m skeptical that Ryan (Puglisi), the other freshman in the 2024 class, is going to ultimately stick around,” continued Simonton. “I just think there are going to be folks that get into his ear and say, ‘Hey, I know you really like Georgia. I know you have a great connection with Mike Bobo and that staff. But let’s not burn our one-time redshirt just because you want to compete against the number one five-star guy and top-rated prospect in the 2024 class.'”

Georgia already has several options on their hands for this season in Carson Beck, Brock Vandagriff, and Gunner Stockton. Still, from here, Simonton sees a natural progression for the prospects to earn their place. This upcoming fall will be Beck’s year and then the next could go to Vandagriff. After that, it’ll be Raiola’s show to lead.

“I think you’re probably gonna see a situation (where) the one quarterback I’d keep an eye on is Gunner Stockton. Because, again, he’s going to have the most eligibility remaining,” said Simonton. “I think, in your fantasy scenario for Georgia fans, Carson Beck does light it up this year. It would not surprise me at all if he was a one-and-done. (He) spent three years in the program. You have a great season and go to the NFL.”

“I think it would then become a Brock Vandagriff versus Dylan Raiola situation. And maybe you see what happens at Georgia in 2024 (as) what’s kind of unfolding at Texas right now,” Simonton said. “It could be Brock’s job in ’24 and then Raiola takes over from there.”

There are now several mouths to feed when it comes to the quarterback spot down at UGA. However, Simonton believes it’s nothing that Smart won’t be up for and will play a massive role in the Bulldogs remaining on top in the next couple of years to come.