Tag: Gunner Stockton

Kirby Smart comments on quarterback Gunner Stockton’s progression

Kirby Smart gave his thoughts on the progression of presumed backup quarterback Gunner Stockton

Saturday was the first of three scrimmages for the Georgia Bulldogs in the spring, and Kirby Smart gave his thoughts and reactions to the media on Tuesday afternoon. Amongst the topics covered was the progression of presumed backup quarterback Gunner Stockton, who Smart praised for his performance thus far.

“Gunner has done a good job. I’ve seen growth in Gunner. I thought he had a couple of mistakes in the scrimmage, but he also played with much more consistency. I’ve seen this progression with Gunner like that, He’s getting better each and every practice,” said Smart. He also commended Stockton’s football IQ and said that the bowl practices “were great for him.”

Stockton passed for 148 yards and two touchdowns as the third-string QB for the Dawgs a season ago. A former four-star quarterback in the class of 2023, Stockton is among those contending for the role of heir apparent to Carson Beck after this season. Fans will be able to get a longer glimpse of Stockton during Georgia’s spring game on April 13, where he will presumably start for the second string offensive team.

The 10 most college football quarterback-y names ever

Essentially, if you’re born with the name General Booty could you really be anything else besides the quarterback at a football powerhouse?

(OK, maybe don’t answer that, actually…)

Football has legends just like any sport but does any other sport have player’s names that match their skills quite like football does?

For instance, Jack Youngblood was born to be a football player.  Being born with that name pretty much guaranteed he was going to be destined for greatness at Florida and with the NFL’s Rams or he was going to be a professional boxer.  There wasn’t another option.

What about quarterbacks specifically though?  Which have had the most quarterback-y sounding names in the history of college football?

I ask because Oklahoma just landed a commitment from JUCO transfer General Booty and although I can think of a few other job titles a name like that could hold, being quarterback at a college football powerhouse sounds somewhat fitting.

It got me thinking of the best college quarterbacks based solely on their names and nothing they actually accomplished on the field.

Here’s my top ten:

Georgia QB Brock Vandagriff unsure of future in Athens: ‘I’m not sure. I guess there’s some praying to do’

Players have till April 30 to enter the transfer portal and maintain eligibility to play in the fall.

One of the most notable takeaways from Georgia’s spring game is rising redshirt junior quarterback Carson Beck’s control of the Bulldogs offense.

The former-four star recruit completed 15 of 22 passes for 238 yards and a touchdown during G-Day in Sanford Stadium on Saturday.

Beck’s efficiency was impressive considering how the Bulldogs have ushered in a new offense under first-year offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, while attempting to replace star quarterback Stetson Bennett among several key pieces from the 2022 national title season.

Former five-star prospect Brock Vandagriff shared first-team reps with Beck during spring practice leading up to G-Day.

Vandagriff completed 13 of 25 passes for 135 yards with two touchdowns and an interception in the game.

The Bogart, Georgia., native came to Athens as the No. 17 player in the nation, the No. 4 quarterback and the No. 2 player in the state of Georgia in the 2021 class, per 247Sports.

As a rising redshirt sophomore, Vandagriff has shown glimpses of ability with both his arm and legs as a dual-threat quarterback in practices during his time in Athens, but his lack of on-the-field experience stands out in comparison to Beck.

As the third-string signal-caller behind Bennett and Beck in 2022, Vandagriff didn’t complete a pass in three regular-season appearances.

It’s rare to find a talented quarterback that will take a backseat in today’s college football era with popular use of the transfer portal.

Players have until April 30 to enter the portal and be eligible to play this fall.

“I’m not sure. I guess there’s some praying to do, Vandagriff said after Saturday’s scrimmage. “But my plans, for now, are to just take it day by day.”

Considering how the Bulldogs utilized Bennet’s scrambling ability over the last two seasons, Vandagriff could be an important piece to keep moving forward as Beck will be eligible for the 2024 NFL draft.

“I thought Brock used his legs several times to break out of there and take off running,” head coach Kirby Smart said. “Brock unfortunately had some guys drop the ball on him. I thought the balls were really well thrown and should’ve been caught.”

If Vandagriff decides to make a move, rising redshirt freshman Gunner Stockton will be expected to play behind Beck. The former four-star prospect didn’t make an appearance last season.

Stockton went 13-for-22 passing for 144 yards and an interception in the scrimmage.

Click here for ‘G-Day’ highlights, including plays from Beck, Vandagriff and Stockton.

Kirby Smart details what he values the most from quarterbacks

Kirby Smart provided some insight on the quarterback position battle between Carson Beck, Gunner Stockton, and Brock Vandagriff.

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart is a defensive coach at heart. He hates when his defense gets put in a bad position and knows that when you win the turnover battle you are much more likely to win the game.

Smart wants his quarterbacks to put the offense in good situations with sound decisions. Quarterbacks have to make more decisions than any other player on the field.

I can get the stats, but a true quarterback is a decision-maker. In our system, because some systems take all the pressure of the quarterback and they just go really fast, we don’t do that. We’re a quarterback driven offense. So, can you process the information?

Georgia’s previous starting quarterback, Stetson Bennett, threw only seven interceptions in each of his last two seasons. Bennett’s decision-making, durability, and mobility were big reasons why he prevailed over JT Daniels in Georgia’s last quarterback position battle.

Quarterback Carson Beck may have a leg up, in terms of decision-making, on Brock Vandagriff and Gunner Stockton thanks to his experience. However, Beck is not as mobile as Brock Vandagriff and Gunner Stockton.

Carson Beck has attempted only 58 career passing attempts in 10 games, so he does not have a ton of game experience, but that is the most of Georgia’s trio of quarterbacks. Vandagriff has only three career pass attempts and Gunner Stockton, who has been mostly practicing with the third-team offense, has not attempted a pass in college.

Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck is considered the favorite to win the starting role, but he has stiff competition. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

It sounds like avoiding mistakes is something Kirby Smart really values. He makes it clear that sometimes an incomplete pass, or even a sack, is not a bad play compared to an interception.

Which of these three choices Coach Bobo’s given me am I going to utilize on this play? And then the play happens, and there might be a mistake or a breakdown, and you do not go full metal jacket and have catastrophe mode and put us in a bad situation.

Ultimately, Kirby Smart is looking at good decision-making as the most important thing he hopes to find at the quarterback position this spring. The best decision-maker will probably win the starting job for the Bulldogs.

Decision-making is the number one thing I want to see at the quarterback position.

For now, Brock Vandagriff and Carson Beck have an edge over Gunner Stockton as they are getting more reps with the starters. Perhaps it is because they are making more consistent decisions.

Brock and Carson are both getting reps with the ones.

Overall, Kirby Smart made it clear that scrimmages don’t tell the full story. Quarterbacks react differently when they get hit in live action. Some quarterbacks are able to dodge sacks that are automatic in scrimmages.

Georgia fans will get a chance to watch the Bulldogs on G-Day, which is scheduled for April 15.

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Kirby Smart discusses UGA’s quarterback battle

Kirby Smart discusses the UGA QB battle

Kirby Smart held his opening press conference of the spring on Tuesday and discussed the quarterback position as we enter the 2023 season.

With two-time national championship-winning quarterback Stetson Bennett off to the NFL, Kirby Smart will once again be faced with a decision to make at the quarterback position. He’ll be joined in that decision making process by offensive coordinator and former Georgia passer Mike Bobo.

The three guys who could contend for Georgia’s starter at quarterback are Carson Beck, Brock Vandagriff and Gunner Stockton.

Smart said the competition will open this spring with Beck and Vandagriff splitting first team reps over the next month.

“We think we have three really good quarterbacks,” Smart said.

“I do look forward to seeing Carson and Brock getting a lot of that action, they will both rep with the ones,” Smart said. “As far as how much, that will play itself out over the course of the spring.

But don’t count out Stockton, said Smart.

“Gunner (Stockton) has come a long way, so I’m excited to see what those guys can do.”

Smart was asked to compare the arm strength between Beck and Stockton:

“I think it’s hard to say who has the stronger arm; I think those two guys would argue about who has the stronger arm,” Smart said.

“I don’t honestly know who has the stronger arm just from what we’ve seen in the past. You’ve got to see those guys play in game action. I think they both have a good pocket presence.”

For some background on the three quarterbacks:

Carson Beck:

Year: Redshirt junior

Height and weight: 6-foot-4, 215 pounds

As a recruit: Class of 2020, 4-star, No. 5 pro-style quarterback

Brock Vandagriff:

Year: Redshirt sophomore

Height and weight: 6-foot-3, 205 pounds

As a recruit: Class of 2021, 5-star, No. 4 quarterback

Gunner Stockton:

Year: Redshirt freshman

Height and weight: 6-foot-1, 210 pounds

As a recruit: Class of 2022, 4-star, No. 7 quarterback

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247Sports makes bold prediction for CFB teams in 2023, including Georgia

247Sports make bold prediction for Georgia’s 2023 season

Brad Crawford of 247Sports recently posted his 10 bold predictions for the 2023 college football season and included one for the back-to-back reigning champion Georgia Bulldogs.

Crawford’s prediction for Georgia centered around the quarterback room, which loses Stetson Bennett. The two-time national champion was invited to the NFL combine and is headed to the pros.

But Georgia has no shortage at the position for the 2023 season. Returning to the Dawgs are Carson Beck, Brock Vandagriff and Gunner Stockton, all highly touted recruits coming out of high school.

And Crawford thinks Georgia fans will have plenty of chances to see all these guys in action en route to another perfect season.

Crawford’s bold prediction: Georgia starts three quarterbacks, still finishes 12-0

“Kirby Smart and Georgia offensive coordinator Todd Monken have a lot to look at the start of spring practice in a few weeks and luckily for them, won’t have to make a decision on the Bulldogs’ quarterback depth chart until September,” Crawford wrote.

“They would like to see Carson Beck, Brock Vandagriff or Gunner Stockton grab hold of the position before then, but it may not happen.”

As a fan, this prediction can cause anxiety heading into the season. The quarterback position is the one where we want to see a consistent figure each week, but Georgia’s had its quarterback questions in the past and it worked pretty well in 2021.

“I have an inkling that Georgia’s 2023 schedule is so favorable, by SEC standards, the Bulldogs are going to have time to tinker with who best suits the role of QB1 for several weeks prior to knowing “the guy” the rest of the way.”

That’s true. Georgia has one of the easiest schedules in the SEC next season, and plays its first four games (UT-Martin, Ball State, South Carolina, and UAB) in Athens. That should give Smart plenty of film to make the best decision.

“I’ll go out on a limb here and say Beck, Vandagriff and Stockton each start at least one game this fall for the defending national champions, who will get back to Atlanta without a blemish once again.”

And lastly, how about that 12-0 prediction? Love to see it.

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Sizing up the Georgia quarterback position battle

Who will be Georgia’s starting quarterback to open the 2023 college football season?

Who will be Georgia’s starting quarterback for the 2023 college football season?

The Bulldogs have a trio of potential starters: Carson Beck, Brock Vandagriff and Gunner Stockton. Each brings a little different flavor to the offense.

Georgia is familiar with quarterback controversies. The Bulldogs can still be a championship contender despite a lack of clarity at quarterback (see: 2021).

Spring and summer practice will play a critical role in Georgia’s quarterback race. Additionally, Todd Monken’s future will affect the offensive system Georgia runs. If the Bulldogs have to start a new quarterback and run a new offensive scheme, that could spell trouble for the Georgia offense.

Kirby Smart and Georgia have a lot of time to decide who has the edge at quarterback. The Bulldogs open the season at home against UT Martin and Ball State before playing South Carolina in Athens. Georgia could use the two opening games to determine the starting quarterback.

Georgia football’s quarterback room for 2023 season

Georgia’s quarterback room for next season

With Stetson Bennett gone, Kirby Smart has a decision to make at the quarterback position.

Will it be Carson Beck, Brock Vandagriff or Gunner Stockton lining up under Sedrick Van Pran, Georgia’s two-year starter at center who recently announced he plans to remain in Athens in 2023.

If I had to guess right now, I’d expect Beck to be the starter when Georgia opens the season against UT-Martin in September. He was the No. 2 all year behind Bennett and will be entering his fourth year in Athens.

Georgia has three guys who were all highly recruited passers out of high school. Let’s take a look at the quarterback room for 2023:

Georgia has top-five QB room in the country according to CBS Sports

CBS Sports says Georgia has a top-five QB room in the nation for 2022

Regardless of what Stetson Bennett decided to do this offseason, he’d forever be a legend in the state of Georgia. The starting quarterback on Georgia’s first national championship team in 41 years, Bennett had a decision to make: Sail off into the sunset or return to Athens for one more year in an attempt to repeat as national champs?

As you know, Bennett elected to return for another year with the Bulldogs, which is a large reason why CBS Sports ranked Georgia’s quarterback room as the nation’s fourth best for the 2022 football season.

He’ll be joined by returning talent Carson Beck and Brock Vandagriff, plus true freshman Gunner Stockton. Beck and Stockton are former four-star recruits, while Vandagriff was a five-star in the class of 2021. The only member of the group who was not a highly rated recruit is…you guessed it…Bennett.

Via Shehan Jeyarajah of CBS Sports:

For all the talk of his limitations, Stetson Bennett ended 2021 ranking No. 2 in the SEC in quarterback rating, No. 4 in passing touchdowns, No. 5 in yards passing and No. 1 in yards per attempt. He was highly efficient and made big-time plays in the national championship game to deliver the ‘Dawgs their first ring since 1980. The room behind him is unproven but supremely talented. Brock Vandagriff was a five-star in the Class of 2021, while Carson Beck is entering his third year with the group. Gunner Stockton, meanwhile, is another blue-chip recruit who should provide valuable depth. We’d like to see a little more experience from the backup group in 2022, but Bennett is a good quarterback.

Bennett threw for 29 touchdowns and only seven interceptions in 12 starts in 2021. He was named Offensive MVP of the national championship game against Alabama. Beck appeared in three games last fall, completing 10/23 passes for 176 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

CBS Sports’ top-five quarterback rooms in the nation for 2022:

1. Alabama Crimson Tide

Key players: Bryce Young, Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson

2. Ohio State Buckeyes

Key players: C.J. Stroud, Kyle McCord, Devin Brown

3. Michigan Wolverines

Key players: Cade McNamara, J.J. McCarthy, Alan Bowman

4. Georgia Bulldogs

Key players: Stetson Bennett IV, Carson Beck, Brock Vandagriff, Gunner Stockton

5. LSU Tigers

Key players: Jayden Daniels, Myles Brennan, Garrett Nussmeier, Walker Howard

2022 G-Day stats for Georgia’s QB room:

Bennett: 15 for 35, 273 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs

Beck: 14 for 22, 274 yards, 0 INTs

Vandagriff: 12 for 26, 114 yards

Stockton: 1 for 3, 9 yards

From the minute Georgia was crowned national champions, Kirby Smart made it well known he wanted his starting quarterback to return. Still, not all Georgia fans were convinced that this was the best-case scenario.

The news of Bennett returning came just a few minutes after JT Daniels — now at West Virginia — announced he’d be transferring from UGA earlier this offseason.

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5 players to watch in Georgia football’s spring game

Georgia football is back for the April 16 spring game. Who are five players to watch in G-Day?

Georgia football is back for the April 16 spring game. Sanford Stadium will be packed with fans wearing red and black once again.

It will be the Bulldogs’ first time in front of home fans, for a game or scrimmage, since winning the national championship game against Alabama. Kirby Smart has built an exciting team for the 2022 season, but the Dawgs are currently battling a lot of injuries. Key players like Brock Bowers, Darnell Washington, Rian Davis, and more are expected to miss the scrimmage.

The game is at 1:00 p.m. EDT and will be televised on ESPN2. It will be the last open look many fans will have of the team before Georgia opens the season against Oregon on Sept. 3 in Atlanta.

Here are five players and position battles to watch in the Georgia 2022 spring football game: