It is not an uncommon thing for a new quarterback to have to start on a college football team. The most time anyone will ever get out of a starting quarterback is usually about three seasons, so starting a new QB is nothing new for any program, and that includes Georgia.
Who Georgia's starter will be later this fall is still up in the air, but the consensus is that Gunner Stockton will win the job. And while this would be his first time as a full time starter, he did get an opportunity to start one game last year in Georgia's College Football Playoff game against Notre Dame.
Kirby Smart recently spoke about this experience for Stockton and how much it helped him, and it's safe to say that Smart is thankful he got this opportunity.
"I think he's much further along than he would've been if Carson (Beck) finished out because he's got an opportunity... leading up to the bowl game to kind of be the guy," Smart said via 680 The Fan radio. "So it's helped him assert himself as a good leader, doing some good things, he understands the offense."
Does Smart think Stockton will be the starter?
Smart is yet to come out and say Stockton will be the starter this fall, he also hasn't even said he is the favorite to win the job either. But this quote from Smart makes it seem like that is the most likely outcome.
This also isn't the first time Smart has sung the praises of Stockton this offseason, so the more Smart does the more likely it seems Stockton will be the starter come August.
And if Stockton does become the starter, then he should be able to draw on the experience he gained last season when he stepped in for an injured Carson Beck to finish the season.