Gunner Stockton has announced his arrival to the college football world after an impressive performance at Tennessee last week. Stockton has grabbed the attention of the college football world as he has firmly become a key piece in the race for the Heisman Trophy.
But none of that matters right now as Georgia's looming showdown with Alabama this weekend is the only thing on anyone's mind.
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer recently spoke about Stockton ahead of their matchup this Saturday, and he highlighted one thing that he loves about Stockton so far this season.
“Yeah, I think he’s played some big games in just a short amount of time,” DeBoer shared via dawgnation.com. “When you look at the end of last year and this last (Saturday), in particular, he’s done a nice job just managing the offense and then making plays when he needs to, throwing the ball down the field, finding his matchups and then keeping plays alive with his feet.”
“I think (Stockton’s mobility) adds a dimension to their offense … so I think they’re doing a good job utilizing his skillset and the offensive personnel that are around him,” DeBoer continued. “That’s a credit to the Georgia staff.”
Kalen DeBoer hands out a complement to Gunner Stockton
While DeBoer said a lot of nice things about Stockton in the above quotes, he mentioned twice how impressed he has been with Stockton's legs. Not only has he seen Stockton extend plays in the passing game with his legs, but he has also been impressed with his ability to make big plays in the run game as well.
Entering this season every SEC fan knew that Stockton could be effective with his legs, so what he has shown so far this season on that front is not surprising. But the thing that everyone questioned is if Stockton can be just as effective in the passing game as well. Those were legit concerns entering this season, but those worries have been put to bed after he threw for over 300 yards against Tennessee last week.
Saturday's game against the Crimson Tide however will be Stockton's biggest test yet as Alabama's defense is stronger than Tennessee's, but according to DeBoer Stockton will be up to the task thanks in large part to his mobility.