The Georgia Bulldogs are expected to turn to redshirt sophomore quarterback Gunnner Stockton to replace Carson Beckin 2025.
While nothing has been confirmed yet, some fans are extremely skeptical of Kirby Smart naming Stockton QB1.
However, former Georgia star wide receiver Arian Smith offered reassurance about Stockton during his media availability at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis this week.
“I thought you could trust Gunner,” Smith said. “Man, he’s one of those people that’s gonna come in every day, take care of his business. Man, he’s young, and on the field-wise, he hasn’t played that much. We played many big games. So I feel like once he gets going, he gets comfortable with the offense, and he leads those guys in the right direction. I feel like he’s gonna be somebody you can depend on.”
Stockton has just one start under his belt, and it came during the Sugar Bowl of the College Football Playoffs versus Notre Dame.
He completed 20 of 32 passes for 234 yards with one touchdown and zero interceptions in the Bulldogs’ 23-10 loss to the Fighting Irish.
While it wasn’t the outcome Georgia had hoped for, it was still a decent performance from the young quarterback.
Smith isn’t alone in thinking that Georgia is in good hands if they choose to turn to Stockton this fall.
Former Notre Dame safety Xavier Wattsalso believes in him.
“Gunner Stockton is a talented player,” Watts said at the combine. “Obviously he was kind of thrown in the fire in the Sugar Bowl playoff game, but I feel like he did pretty well.
“Honestly, I think they are in a good position with him.”
Stockton will still have to compete with redshirt freshman Ryan Puglisi for the starting job this offseason, but for now, he has the upper hand.