Gunner Stockton is entering year two as Georgia’s starting quarterback. He had a remarkable season last year as he led a dominant Bulldogs’s offense en route to an SEC Championship, but expectations are even higher this season.
If Georgia is going to make a run at a National Championship the offense needs to improve. According to Kirby Smart, that begins with much improved play from Stockton this season.
"Well, we got to be more explosive offensively, and that does not fall solely on Gunner, but that does fall partially with him,” Smart said via x.com. “We have to be able to be more explosive in the run game, which some of that is blocking downfield or making people miss, and same thing in the pass game."
Kirby Smart’s message to Gunner Stockton won’t go unnoticed
Stockton is one of the favorites to win the Heisman Teophy this year. However, it’s one thing to be a favorite and it’s another thing to actually compete for it.
Smart knows that Stockton needs to find another gear if Georgia’s offense is going to reach the level it needs to this fall. And if he can find that gear then not only will Stockton compete for the Heisman, but Georgia could make a serious run at a national title as well.
Smart did acknowledge that it’s not all on Stockton. He said that the entire offense needs to be more explosive including the run game, so it doesn’t all just fall on Stockton’s arm. But he plays a huge role in the run game as well, so this statement is targeted at Stockton more than anyone else.
The best version of Stockton is good enough for Georgia to win a championship. The only question that remains is if Georgia will get that version of him, but it’s clear that Smart will do whatever it takes to make sure he reaches his potential.