As the college football world continues to evolve, so too do the quarterback dynamics of top-tier programs like the University of Georgia. For the past few seasons, the Bulldogs have been lucky to have stability at the quarterback position, with legendary performances from Stetson Bennett guiding Georgia to back-to-back national championships. However, with Bennett’s graduation, the spotlight has shifted to the next generation of quarterbacks vying for the starting role.
Among the contenders is Gunner Stockton, a promising talent who was expected to be the heir apparent to the Bulldogs’ quarterback throne. However, early reports from Georgia’s spring practices have raised some concerns about Stockton’s readiness to take the reins, leaving a surprising window open for a potential challenger. As spring practice unfolds, Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs’ head coach, is facing a critical decision about who will lead Georgia’s offense into the upcoming season.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at how Gunner Stockton’s struggles during spring practice have raised questions about his readiness to start, and how this could open the door for a 19-year-old quarterback to potentially take over the Bulldogs’ offense.
Gunner Stockton: A Highly-Touted Recruit with High Expectations
Gunner Stockton’s arrival at Georgia was met with excitement and anticipation. As one of the top-rated quarterbacks in the 2022 recruiting class, Stockton was highly regarded for his athleticism, strong arm, and ability to make plays both in the pocket and on the move. Hailing from the state of Georgia, Stockton was seen as a local product who could step in and lead the Bulldogs for years to come. His commitment to Georgia was seen as a major win for head coach Kirby Smart, as Stockton was regarded as a key piece in the Bulldogs’ future quarterback plans.
After spending his freshman year learning behind Stetson Bennett, many believed Stockton would be the next in line to start for Georgia. The Bulldogs had grown accustomed to strong quarterback play with Bennett, who helped secure back-to-back national championships for the team, and expectations for Stockton were sky-high. With a full offseason to develop under the guidance of Smart and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, Stockton was expected to be ready to take over and continue the program’s dominance.
However, as the 2023 spring practices began, it quickly became apparent that things might not be as smooth for Stockton as many had anticipated.
Spring Practice Woes: Struggles on the Field
Early reports from Georgia’s spring practices indicated that Gunner Stockton was struggling to find consistency and rhythm in the quarterback competition. While spring practices are often a time for players to shake off rust and refine their skills, Stockton’s performance seemed to be underwhelming at times, particularly when compared to the other quarterbacks vying for the starting job.
Stockton’s issues appeared to stem from a lack of accuracy and timing with his throws. Known for his strong arm and ability to make deep passes, Stockton has occasionally struggled with ball placement, leading to missed opportunities for big plays. His decision-making also appeared to be somewhat hesitant at times, as he would second-guess his throws or hold onto the ball too long in the pocket. This lack of sharpness raised questions about his ability to execute Georgia’s offense at a high level, especially considering the expectations that come with being the starting quarterback for a national championship-caliber team.
In addition to these technical issues, there were concerns about Stockton’s ability to lead the offense effectively. Quarterback play in the SEC is demanding, requiring poise under pressure, quick thinking, and a deep understanding of the offensive system. While Stockton has the tools to succeed, it became clear during spring practice that he still has areas of his game that need significant improvement before he can be trusted with the starting job.
These early struggles have left Kirby Smart and the coaching staff with a difficult decision to make.
The Rise of the 19-Year-Old Quarterback: The New Challenger
As Gunner Stockton’s performance faltered during spring practices, another quarterback has begun to make a case for the starting job. Enter 19-year-old Carson Beck, a quarterback with a strong pedigree and the potential to step into a starting role sooner rather than later.
Beck, who is entering his third season at Georgia, was originally seen as a long-term project when he joined the program. However, after a year of patiently waiting behind Stetson Bennett, Beck has begun to show the kind of growth and maturity that has caught the attention of the coaching staff and the fanbase. The 6’4″, 219-pound signal-caller has a strong arm, impressive accuracy, and an ability to read defenses that make him a compelling option for Georgia’s future under center.
During spring practice, Beck has consistently been the more polished quarterback of the two, with reports indicating that he has been the more accurate passer and more comfortable in the pocket. His poise and command of the offense have stood out, and he’s demonstrated the kind of leadership qualities that are vital for the quarterback position. While Stockton has had some growing pains, Beck has looked much more confident in his throws and decision-making.
Beck’s progression has created a potential opportunity for Kirby Smart to hand him the keys to the offense. As a 19-year-old, Beck is younger than Stockton, but he has shown a maturity and understanding of the game that could allow him to start right away. With Beck’s combination of talent, leadership, and on-field awareness, Smart may find that the future of Georgia football could be in the hands of the 19-year-old quarterback rather than the highly touted Stockton.
Kirby Smart’s QB Dilemma: Who Will Start for Georgia?
With both quarterbacks showing different strengths and weaknesses during spring practice, Kirby Smart is left with a tough decision on who will lead the Bulldogs into the 2023 season. While Stockton has been viewed as the future of the program, his recent struggles have raised concerns about whether he’s ready to start in the immediate future. Beck, on the other hand, has shown the kind of growth that makes him a legitimate contender for the starting job.
Smart has long been known for his emphasis on competition, and it’s clear that he will let the best player win the job. It’s possible that the quarterback competition will extend well into the summer, with both Stockton and Beck getting opportunities to prove themselves during the team’s remaining practices and preseason camps. While it’s still unclear who will emerge as the starter, the door has certainly been opened for Beck to take the lead.
Ultimately, the decision will come down to what Smart values most in his quarterback. If he believes that Beck’s polish and readiness to lead the offense outweigh Stockton’s potential, the 19-year-old could end up being named the starter. On the other hand, if Smart believes that Stockton’s upside and athleticism give him the edge in the long run, the job may still belong to the highly-touted quarterback.
What Does This Mean for Georgia’s QB Future?
Regardless of who ends up winning the starting job, the quarterback position at Georgia is in good hands. Both Stockton and Beck have the talent and potential to lead the Bulldogs back to national championship contention. The competition between these two young quarterbacks is an exciting one, and it reflects the depth and strength of Georgia’s program under Kirby Smart.
For Stockton, the pressure to perform in spring practice may have revealed areas of weakness, but it’s far from the end of his career at Georgia. He still has time to develop and refine his skills, and he could very well emerge as the starting quarterback in the near future. For Beck, his strong spring performance is an indication that he is more than ready to step into a starting role if given the opportunity.
Conclusion
Kirby Smart’s quarterback plans have taken an unexpected turn during spring practice, as Gunner Stockton’s struggles have opened the door for Carson Beck, the 19-year-old QB, to potentially seize the starting job. While Stockton remains a highly-talented prospect, Beck’s poise and progress have made him a compelling option for Georgia’s future. As the competition continues to heat up, one thing is certain: Georgia’s quarterback position is in good hands, no matter who wins the job. With both players capable of leading the Bulldogs to success, the team’s QB battle is one of the most intriguing storylines of the 2023 season.
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