There is a lot to like about Gunner Stockton, but the biggest question is how far he can take the Georgia Bulldogs.
On Game Runs Deep, the early takeaway from Georgia’s start to the season is that Stockton did exactly what was asked of him. He ran the offense efficiently.
That was the main priority, and Stockton delivered. While the matchup against Marshall did not provide the toughest test, Stockton showed he can operate within the system and keep things on schedule. His ability to move with his legs stood out immediately, adding a dynamic that Georgia did not consistently have at quarterback before.
That part of his game is real. Stockton’s mobility gives Georgia another dimension in the run game, where he can be a legitimate threat. It fits perfectly with the physical identity that Kirby Smart has built.
But there is still something to prove. The biggest question is his ability to push the ball down the field. There were not many opportunities to evaluate his deep passing, and that is the piece that could ultimately determine Georgia’s ceiling. Against tougher defenses, that part of his game is going to matter.
Around him, the pieces are there. Georgia looks loaded again, with playmakers at receiver and depth in the backfield. The defense also appears to be trending back toward the dominant, physical unit the program is known for.
That is why expectations are already high. This looks like a team that should be in the College Football Playoff conversation. The roster has the talent, the identity is clear, and the system is proven.
It all comes back to the quarterback. If Stockton can continue to manage the offense while expanding his impact in the passing game, Georgia has everything it needs to compete at the highest level. If not, the margin for error gets much smaller. Either way, the path to the College Football Playoff for Georgia this season runs through Gunner Stockton.