Gunner Stockton has one last opportunity before SEC play begins to show where his game has developed, particularly his refined passing mechanics.
Like any good quarterback, Stockton recognized that there were opportunities for him to improve and become an even bigger concern than he already is for opposing defenses.
Stockton's ability to make plays with his legs is well known, and there's no questioning his toughness or his keen awareness of what the defense is presenting him. But his throwing mechanics came into question more than once last season, and that's something Stockton gave his attention to this offseason.
The first thing he did to tune up his mechanics was to tune up his body, working closely with a nutritionist and using DEXA scans to track and reduce his overall body fat. Stockton came into spring practices this year with 10 pounds of lean muscle added to his body and a more sculpted physique.
The next step was taking that body and putting some changes into practice about his mechanics.
Gunner Stockton can put some of his offseason work on display against WKU
There were two key areas that Stockton worked to improve in terms of his mechanics -- his footwork in dropback passes and his throwing motion and arm angle when passing more than 15 yards in the air. His mechanics and accuracy were, at times, an issue in those types of plays.
Stockton was very typically "efficient" against Tennessee State in Week 1. Going 15 of 16 for 202 yards and three touchdowns in less than two quarters is a quality outing for any quarterback. But Stockton didn't run the ball at all (thank goodness), and he wasn't asked to do a lot in the win.
Even though his snaps will likely be limited and the playbook won't be completely opened, against Western Kentucky, Stockton can show how his offseason work has improved his game.
The Hilltoppers play a "bend don't break" style of defense, giving up yardage but keeping points scored against to a minimum. This will play perfectly into seeing Stockton's footwork and throwing motion changes.
Against Tennessee State, most of Stockton's passes were shorter -- with tunnel screens, passes to the flat, and swing passes to receivers occupying most of his 15 attempts. Against Western Kentucky, Stockton can drop back, test his pass protection, and experience live game action throwing some deeper balls as well as passes to curl routes and deeper slants.
While the use of those plays may not make a lot of difference in the score, as Georgia is a heavy favorite, being able to work in actual game situations on those throws will be the perfect tune-up before Georgia travels to Arkansas in Week 3.
Watching Gunner drop some deep dimes and hit receivers in stride going across the field (something he struggled with last season) will be important to watch. Georgia should easily handle the Hilltoppers, but how they do it and what Stockton does to make it happen are ultimately more important.
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