Georgia Backup QB Takes Over for Injured Carson Beck in SEC Championship vs. No. 2 Texas
Gunner Stockton's rise to Georgia started at Rabun County High School, where he had an outstanding career. A four-star prospect, he was ranked No. 124 in the 2022 class and the No. 7 quarterback in the nation, according to 247Sports Composite rankings, and was also the No. 12 player in Georgia.
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| Georgia Backup QB Takes Over for Injured Carson Beck in SEC Championship vs. No. 2 Texas |
Key Moments for Gunner Stockton in SEC Championship Game
With Georgia trailing 6-3 at halftime, Stockton entered the game to start the second half, taking over for an injured Beck. He made an immediate impact, guiding the Bulldogs down the field for a touchdown on their first possession of the half. Stockton also orchestrated a critical field goal drive, helping Georgia take a 13-6 lead into the fourth quarter.
Carson Beck Injury Update
Carson Beck sustained a hand injury in the final play of the first half after taking a hit from Texas defensive end Trey Moore. Beck was unable to return for the second half, leaving the game in Stockton's hands. The backup QB's performance in the clutch helped keep Georgia's hopes of claiming its first SEC Championship since 2022 alive.
Who is Gunner Stockton? Background & Career Overview
Gunner Stockton is a redshirt sophomore quarterback at the University of Georgia. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound signal-caller hails from Tiger, Georgia, and was highly regarded coming out of high school. As a four-star recruit, Stockton ranked as the No. 7 quarterback in the 2022 recruiting class according to 247Sports.
Stockton committed to Georgia in January 2021, choosing the Bulldogs over several other high-profile programs, including Alabama, Auburn, Arkansas, and Florida. His decision to join Georgia’s stacked quarterback room, which also featured Beck, has proven to be a pivotal one as he now finds himself taking on major responsibilities for the Bulldogs.
Gunner Stockton’s Stats & Career at Georgia
While Stockton had limited action as a true freshman last season, he displayed his potential in a backup role. In 2023, he continued to build on that foundation, with key performances in blowout wins. Here’s a look at Stockton's stats from both his previous and current season:
2023 Season Stats (as of SEC Championship)
vs. Tennessee Tech: 10 completions on 12 attempts (83.3%) for 90 yards
vs. UMass: 3 completions on 4 attempts (75%) for 45 yards
2022 Season Stats
Total Appearances: 4 games
Passing Stats: 12 completions on 19 attempts (63.2%) for 148 yards, 2 touchdowns
Notable Performances: Both of Stockton’s touchdowns came in the second half of Georgia's 2022 Orange Bowl win over Florida State, including a 4-yard pass to Lawson Luckie and a 14-yard pass to Anthony Evans III.
Gunner Stockton's Recruiting Journey
During his recruitment, Stockton had offers from numerous prestigious programs, including Alabama, Auburn, and Florida, but ultimately chose to commit to Georgia in January 2021.
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| Georgia Backup QB Takes Over for Injured Carson Beck in SEC Championship vs. No. 2 Texas |
Looking Ahead: Gunner Stockton’s Future at Georgia
With Carson Beck’s status uncertain for the remainder of the SEC Championship game and potentially beyond, Gunner Stockton's role has never been more crucial. As Georgia looks to add another conference title to its storied history, all eyes will be on Stockton to see how he handles the pressure of leading a top-tier program in such a high-stakes moment.
Whether Stockton remains Georgia's starting quarterback or returns to a backup role after Beck's recovery, one thing is certain—he has proven that he can rise to the occasion when his team needs him most. As Georgia aims to continue its national championship aspirations, Stockton’s development and readiness could play a key part in the Bulldogs' postseason success.