Georgia football quarterback Gunner Stockton is in the middle of the biggest offseason of his life. He is currently battling redshirt freshman Ryan Puglisi for the starting job this fall, but regardless of if he wins the job or not he has an important role this summer.
Stockton was asked at SEC Media Days about his biggest responsibility this offseason, and unsurprisingly he immediately discussed being a good leader and teammate.
"Just working hard and just being there and showing up, and working hard and competing honestly. Just building a connection with everybody and carrying it over and transitioning it to the season.”
What is Gunner Stockton’s responsibility in the offseason?
— Dawgs Central (@DawgsCentral_) July 15, 2025
“Just working hard and just being there and showing up, and working hard and competing honestly. Just building a connection with everybody and carrying it over and transitioning it to the season.”
🎥: @GrahamCoffeyDC pic.twitter.com/H819s64RVm
Gunner Stockton's leadership is key for Georgia's offseason
Regardless of if Stockton is named Georgia's starting quarterback or not, the way he handles himself every day this offseason is extremely important. Being an upperclassman and leader of this team means that everyone is looking to him to set an example. This is especially the case with the young guys and newcomers to the team.
If Stockton can lead by example and show them how to work hard and find success in the offseason at a program like Georgia then everyone else will follow his lead and do the same thing. And that's exactly what needs to happen if UGA is going to find success this fall.
Unfortunately Georgia fans won't find out anytime soon if Stockton or Puglisi is the starter this fall. Kirby Smart was asked about the quarterback competition at Media Days on Tuesday, and the only thing he was willing to share is that both QBs are battling for the starting job every day.
Even if that is the case, it would be surprising for Stockton to not be Georgia's quarterback this fall. So hearing how serious he is taking his job as a leader this offseason will only make Georgia fans that much more excited to see what he can do on the field this fall.