Gunner Stockton is already a Georgia football legend weeks into first year as starter

While the Georgia Bulldogs were on their first of two annual bye weeks, starting quarterback Gunner Stockton was busy getting honored by his high school alma mater on Friday night. Yes, Stockton had his No. 14 jersey retired by Rabun County last week. Given that Stockton played in a lower-level and more rural region of Georgia, it was not the least bit surprising that he got to have his number retired.

What was peculiar about it all was the timing of it. Stockton may be a few years removed from high school, but he has only started four college football games so far in his collegiate career. While he is 3-0 this season, he still has plenty of work to do to become the legend Between the Hedges that he was in Rabun County. In truth, he kind of seems like he is built for gathering all sorts of accolades.

Here is a look at Stockton seeing his No. 14 high school jersey being framed and then being retired.

Georgia has a huge Week 5 home game vs. the Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday night. Stockton is fresh off the first signature win of his Georgia playing career. He looked the part of a serious Heisman Trophy contender down the stretch vs. the Tennessee Volunteers two weeks ago. Should the Dawgs knock off the Crimson Tide at home for the first time in decades, it could be wonderful for his case.

It has not always been easy, but Stockton seems to be giving off the vibes of a true Georgia guy.

Gunner Stockton has No. 14 HS jersey retired during Georgia's bye week

It is still quite early in his Georgia playing career, but Stockton's dual-threat playmaking abilities have caught the attention of the national media. He has yet to turn the football over so far this season. That is something Stockton has the upper hand on fellow SEC Heisman Trophy candidate John Mateer out of Oklahoma. Mateer has won two signature games at Oklahoma already, but he will turn the ball over.

Overall, even though Stockton getting his high school number retired this soon does feel a tad premature, it tells Dawg Nation that he is ready to become the next great one under center for Georgia. For years, Georgia has had one high-end quarterback after another start games for him. Some of the best to do it are homegrown Georgia boys, such as Jake Fromm and Stetson Bennett IV.

Ultimately, this was a good time for Rabun County to do it. Georgia is 3-0 on the season and 1-0 in conference play. While the Dawgs are giving off the early impressions of a College Football Playoff team, a lot can change between now and then for a first-year starter like Stockton. Getting one's high school jersey is special, but to do it in college football, or even in the NFL, is a totally different beast.

Now that this huge honor has happened for Stockton, he can focus solely on winning big at Georgia.

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