Gunner Stockton: From High School Phenom to College Quarterback

Gunner Stockton's journey from a highly-touted high school quarterback to a college player is a story of exceptional talent, dedication, and perseverance. This article explores his remarkable high school career, his transition to college football, and his developing role within a prominent program.

High School Dominance: A Georgia Legend

Stockton established himself as a Georgia high school football legend. He is often compared to other Georgia greats such as Deshaun Watson, Trevor Lawrence, and Jake Fromm. Known for his strong and accurate arm, his elusiveness in the pocket, and his unmatched will to win, Stockton quickly garnered attention from college programs. He held 25 offers.

Freshman Year: Setting the Stage

Stockton's freshman season immediately showcased his potential. Taking over as the starting quarterback from game one, he threw for 2,917 yards and 34 touchdowns against just 6 interceptions, completing 65% of his passes (190/291). His mobility was also a key asset, as he rushed for 709 yards and 17 touchdowns on 105 attempts (6.8 YPC). He led the Wildcats to a fourth-straight Quarterfinals run and fifth-straight region championship while the team went 11-2. Despite losing his first start in a non-region game against Bremen, he then led his team to 11 straight wins.

Sophomore Year: Continued Success

Stockton's sophomore year was even more impressive. He threw for 3,473 yards (26th best in state history) and 43 touchdowns (12th best) against 6 interceptions while rushing for 1,126 yards with 19 more touchdowns. That’s a total of 4,599 yards on the year with 62 touchdowns. He completed 72% of his passes (239/334) and averaged 6.6 yards per carry. He led Rabun to a #1 state ranking, a fifth consecutive Quarterfinal run, a perfect regular season, a sixth straight region title, and 12 wins overall.

Junior Year: Thriving Amidst Challenges

In the midst of a global pandemic, Stockton continued to excel. He amassed 71 total touchdowns and set new career highs in passing touchdowns (45) and rushing scores (26), as well as rushing yards (1,581). He threw for 3,128 yards and completed 68% of his passes (213/317), tossing only 4 interceptions (3 coming in the last 2 games). He led Rabun to a #1 state ranking, a sixth consecutive Quarterfinal or deeper run, a seventh straight region title, and 12 wins overall. The team averaged 50.7 points per game in the regular season, putting them in the top five in state history. Rabun made the Semifinals. His 55:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio highlights his efficiency and decision-making.

Senior Year: Cementing a Legacy

Stockton's senior year was nothing short of historic. His 4,134 passing yards ranked 9th most in state history in a single season, and his 55 touchdown throws ranked second. Both of those marks led the entire state. He led the Wildcats to an 8th consecutive region championship and 7th straight Quarterfinals run. Stockton broke Deshaun Watson’s state records for all-time total yards and touchdowns, and broke Trevor Lawrence’s all-time touchdown passes mark. Stockton closes his prep career as a top-5 national QB statistically all-time.

College Career: University of Georgia

Originally committed to South Carolina on August 20, 2020, Stockton eventually joined the University of Georgia.

Redshirt Freshman Year: Learning and Developing

Stockton redshirted as a freshman in 2022, though he was an integral part of the Georgia Bulldogs’ National Championship. He pushed starting quarterback Stetson Bennett and the elite defense as the scout team quarterback, often imitating opposing quarterbacks all week in practices leading up to games.

Redshirt Freshman Year: Gaining Experience

In 2023, He got his first game action against UT Martin, going 3-for-5 with 29 yards passing, adding 18 rush yards. He played a good bit in the Orange Bowl victory, completing 6-of-10 passes for 96 yards and 2 touchdowns, and had seven carries for 46 yards. He had a total of 148 pass yards (2 TD, 1 INT), and 63 rush yards as a redshirt freshman.

Backing Up and Stepping Up

In 2024, he backed up Carson Beck, and rallied Georgia to an SEC Championship game win against Texas, going 12-for-16 passing with 71 yards (1 INT), and rushing for eight yards. In UGA’s Sugar Bowl CFP Quarterfinals against Notre Dame, Stockton earned his first career start, passing for 234 yards and a touchdown (20-for-32 passing).

Read also: The History of Stockton University