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Smart: Gunner Stockton is different than recent quarterbacks

Jeremy Johnsonby:Jeremy Johnson•03/13/25•

JeremyO_Johnson

Gunner Stockton (1)
Jan 2, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) drops back to pass against against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Gunner Stockton doesn’t believe in a lot of hullabaloo. He cracks a shy grin and shows up to work. His head coach Kirby Smart took to 92.9 The Game’s ‘The Steakhouse’ and talked with DawgsHQ’s Rusty Mansel and Steak Shapiro on Thursday.

Stockton is locked in a battle to become Georgia’s starting quarterback this spring with Ryan Puglisi. Smart dug into Stockton’s approach to football and life.

It’s a different one than that of Stetson Bennett and Carson Beck.

“He’s very different than Carson and very different than Stetson,” Smart said. “He’s different than Jake (Fromm) and JT (Daniels). I mean, he’s kind of his own person. He’s got a quiet confidence about him.”

Gunner Stockton is a quiet leader?

Stockton’s quiet confidence reminded Mansell and Smart of former Bulldog Nick Chubb, who is also known for his quiet personality in his days in Athens.

“It’s just quiet confidence,” Smart said. “I mean, and that’s the way Nick (Cubb) was. You had to pull it out of Nick, and that’s the way it is with Gunner.”

Smart doesn’t think it impacts Stockton’s ability to lead and be a leader on Georgia’s team. It’s already begun taking shape in spring practices so far.

“You’d say, well, I don’t want my quarterback to be that way,” Smart said. “I want my quarterback to be loud, boisterous. I mean, he is who he is. As he gains more confidence, he takes a greater role. He listens all the time. You might not think he’s listening, but he’s listening. He’s taking notes, and he’s wise, and he’s a great kid is what he is.”

Stockton and Georgia will be back on the field for spring practice number two. The G-Day game is scheduled for April 12. Stockton is working to take hold of the starting job after one career start in the Sugar Bowl loss to Notre Dame on Jan. 2.

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