Georgia QB Gunner Stockton doesn’t have Carson Beck’s arm (or ride), but there’s just something about him

NEW ORLEANS — When Gunner Stockton spoke Monday in front of a large throng of reporters less than 60 hours before the biggest game of his life, he rarely did so above a whisper. His boyish charm and constant smile drew people in, but by the time reporters huddled and elbowed closer to the dais to better make out what Georgia’s quiet-talking quarterback was saying, his short responses didn’t offer much time for their ears to adjust.

“He’s not a big talker,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart said in the leadup to the Sugar Bowl.

Stockton’s unassuming persona paints the picture befitting of a good ol’ country boy from the foothills of Appalachia, thrust suddenly into the spotlight as Georgia’s new starting quarterback ahead of a showdown with Notre Dame in the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff. 

The question is whether it’s tougher facing a barrage of questions — none of his answers spanned longer than 17 seconds Monday — or Notre Dame’s vaunted defense on New Year’s Day.

“Maybe sitting here,” the visibly uncomfortable quarterback said.

Life is never easy on the big stage, but Stockton proved himself three weeks ago at the SEC Championship Game, where he replaced injured starter Carson Beck in the second half of a 22-19 overtime win against Texas. With Beck unable to lift his throwing arm because of a substantial elbow injury, Stockton led the Bulldogs on three scoring drives, effectively erasing a deficit before throwing a costly interception that allowed Texas to tie the game on a field goal with 18 seconds remaining. A few moments later in overtime, Stockton rectified his mistake, lowered his shoulder on the run and absorbed a helmet-cracking hit to pick up a first down. One play later, running back Trevor Etienne won the game…

Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/georgia-qb-gunner-stockton-doesnt-have-carson-becks-arm-or-ride-but-theres-just-something-about-him/

Author : Brandon Marcello

Publish date : 2024-12-30 21:48:00

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