Coveted 2023 ATH Bailey Stockton felt at home with Georgia Tech

Bogart (Ga.) Prince Avenue Christian 2023 athlete Bailey Stockton woke up on Monday and knew where he wanted to play his college football. Stockton has committed to Georgia Tech and will sign with the in-state Yellow Jackets on Wednesday.

Stockton grew up a Georgia fan. His head coach’s son, Brock Vandagriff, plays for the Bulldogs. The ‘clean old fashioned hate’ rivalry will now take on a different vibe for Stockton.

“It’s going to be different,” Stockton told On3. “I went to all the (Georgia) games growing up. My buddy plays there. I’m ready for the challenge.”

Stockton’s recruitment took off after a strong performance in the state championship game just days after surgery to repair a broken collarbone. That seems like years ago at the moment for Stockton. Things changed so quickly and so sharply in his recruitment, that he’s still trying to wrap his head around things.

“If would have said you were crazy,” Stockton said. “Georgia Tech hadn’t crossed my mind.”

Stockton had spoken with new Georgia Tech offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner a bit while he was at Georiga as an offensive analyst. Faulkner quickly became a positive selling point for Georgia Tech.

Buster Faulkner was a winning factor for Bailey Stockton

Faulkner’s system is a fit for Stockton as a slot receiver. Playing Power Five football as well as Georiga Tech’s academics made a mark on Stockton.

“I trust coach Faulkner,” Stockton said. “He has a new offense coming in… They’re going to throw it a lot. He knows how to use 5-foot-11 type guys. He has a history of it at Arkansas State and Memphis, which sold me… I also wanted to play in the Power Five and challenge myself. I feel like that Georgia Tech degree would really benefit me.

Stockton also relished the opportunity to play around an hour from home in college.

“That mattered a ton to me,” Stockton said. “When you’re a junior, you’re wanting to get out. When it gets close to graduation, you don’t want to go as much because you’ve been here for so long. It’s an hour away. That’s a blessing.”

Brent Key’s hold on Georgia Tech’s locker room was also something of note for Stockton. Key took over mid-season and quickly gained the trust of the players in the locker room. He had his interim tag removed at the start of the offseason.

Stockton had the chance to talk with current players and could sense the love the Yellow Jackets have for Key as their head coach.

“They want to play for coach Key,” Stockton said. “That means a lot coming from a player. That matters.”