Georgia WR shares exactly why Gunner Stockton is playing like a different QB

This is Gunner Stockton's team now. While it has been since the start of offseason workouts, slowly but surely, Stockton has really begun to make a name for himself in his first season as the Georgia Bulldogs' starting quarterback. He has been a consistent top-five player at his position in the country all year long, saving his best for when it matters most. He is playing like Stetson Bennett IV did before.

As far as his growth as a leader is concerned, check out this great quote from Dillon Bell on Stockton.

"He's more comfortable. He was thrown in the fire, and we had his back. But this time, oh, he's confident. We look up to Gunner. He's our leader, so we go as he goes."

Bell and all of his Georgia teammates know what was being asked of Stockton last season vs. Texas.

From having been thrust into the SEC Championship Game last year vs. Texas once Carson Beck hurt his elbow, to what we are seeing out of Stockton now is nothing short of impressive. He is not yet a perfect player, but he does seem to get better with every game he plays. More importantly, he seems to be locked into those key situations where being clutch is required. Bennett did that to be a legend.

Assuming Stockton has a great run in the playoff this year and comes back in 2026, he is on his way.

Gunner Stockton has improved night and day over last year's showings

Of the many things that have made it so fun to follow along with Stockton's first season as the Georgia starter, it has been his proficiency in the red zone that is the biggest standout. Once the field shrinks, some quarterbacks really struggle to punch it in. Not Stockton. He lives for those moments. Because of his presence in that part of the field, it empowers his teammates to be difference makers.

Where Bell's comments ring the most true is the team looks to Stockton as a leader in trying times. They know that he is going to make the best play for his team at every possible situation. He would rather see Georgia win by one point over a rival than to pad his stat lines in a close defeat. It is why he has been such a better fit under center than Carson Beck. Again, Beck was fine, but he was different.

Overall, Stockton has complete control of this offense because he is willing to use every weapon in his war chest. He is not afraid to give the ball to Bell, throw it to Zachariah Branch, hand it off to Nate Frazier, or heave it up for Noah Thomas to just go get it. You could name another half-dozen or so playmakers Georgia has at its disposal offensively. Stockton has become the ultimate distributor.

The next big challenge for Stockton is to avenge last year's Sugar Bowl in the national quarterfinals.