Gunner Stockton's first start and what it means for Georgia entering offseason

NEW ORLEANS — Gunner Stockton made his first career start in Georgia’s Sugar Bowl loss to Notre Dame, but it the defeat doesn’t fall on Stockton’s shoulders. The redshirt sophomore and Rabun County native threw for 234 yards and a touchdown on 20-of-32 passing. He added 16 rushing yards on six attempts, sacks removed. While it wasn’t the way he imagined the outing going, there’s certainly stuff he can take away.

“It was a little bit of a roller coaster, just trying to ride it. But I thought I handled it pretty well. Just seeing my teammates, they helped me out a lot,” Stockton said postgame.

“Just all the preparation and just how everything goes into it, being ready, physically and mentally. So that’s the biggest part,” he added about his biggest takeaways from starting experience. “I’ll have to always get better. Just watch the tape and the little stuff. Just watch it back. I know I can play better.”

Stockton is a man of few words. He lets his play speak for itself. His teammates couldn’t share enough about him though.

Arian Smith: “I feel like Gunner did a good job. It’s hard. I can’t imagine what it feels like being in his position, going out there and handling seizing the moment. It’s a lot of pressure. All kudos to him for going out there and giving us confidence and setting us up for a win.”

Dylan Fairchild: “I’m so proud of him. He’s the best dude around. Couldn’t be more proud of a guy stepping up. He’s the best kid I know in this place.”

Malaki Starks: “Man, I’m honored to share a field with him. Gunner, I wouldn’t want anybody else to be my quarterback for today and tomorrow and the day after that. I think he showed the ability to play. A lot of people doubted him, said he wasn’t ready or whatever. But I think he showed a lot of people he can play, and I’m excited to see what comes for him.”

Trevor Etienne: “I love him. Great competitor. He went out there and gave it his all. Couldn’t ask for anything more from him.”

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart has long expressed confidence in Stockton as the Bulldogs’ backup. The former four-star prospect and record-setting Peach State signal caller entered for an injured Carson Beck in the SEC Championship Game less than a month ago and led Georgia from behind to take home the conference title. A furious three-weeks to game plan for Stockton as the starter for the Sugar Bowl followed. Smart came away pleased both with the way he prepared and how he played, knowing of course that issues elsewhere weren’t helpful for the first-time starter.

“Gunner did some good things,” Smart said. “Any time you don’t have pass pro, it’s tough. He had some tough moments out there. When it’s your backside and you can’t see it coming, it’s tough. I thought he tucked it down and ran. He got us out of a couple sacks with his feet and legs, threw the ball away. Did some good things there. But obviously it wasn’t enough with the two turnovers, and we’ve got to be better for sure.”

Georgia’s 2024 season is in the books, ending with an 11-3 record in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, and now attention is on turning the page to 2025. With Beck already having announced his decision to enter the NFL Draft, Stockton assumes the top spot on the Bulldog depth chart and is expected to enter spring practice as the team’s starting quarterback.

“I mean, when I stepped on the field, I thought it was,” Stockton said when asked if he felt this was his team now. “So yeah … I mean, heading into (the offseason), I think Coach Smart said we start school Monday. So just starting back and doing better, learning from it.”

“Just being able to lead a little different in the position, being a starting quarterback, and just what that demands,” he added. “Still just having my core values and being Gunner Stockton.”