As the University of Georgia gears up for another season filled with high expectations, let’s delve into each position group, starting with the quarterback position. Georgia is poised for substantial achievements in this key area.
Key Departures
Brock Vandagriff: The former 4-star recruit, hailing from just outside Athens, had a modest tenure at UGA. Despite limited opportunities behind Stetson Bennett and later Carson Beck, he managed 165 passing yards and 2 touchdowns last season with a completion rate of 66.7%. Vandagriff is set to showcase his talents at Kentucky this fall, eager to prove himself with the Wildcats.
Carson Beck
Photo Cred: SI
Beck had a standout 2023 season for the Dawgs, his first as the starting quarterback. The QB amassed 3,941 passing yards and 24 touchdowns against just 6 interceptions. He demonstrated exceptional efficiency with a 72.4% completion rate and ranked fifth nationally in QBR (86), leading UGA to a 13-1 record. Despite his stellar performance, the disappointment of losing the SEC championship to Alabama weighed heavily on Georgia.
They entered the season as favorites to three-peat. Beck’s stellar season positioned him as a Heisman Trophy favorite (+750 odds per Fanduel) and a top prospect for the upcoming NFL draft (+300 odds). Standing tall at 6’4”, the redshirt senior is equipped with all the necessary tools. He showcases exceptional ability to read defenses and excel in the intermediate passing game. While he faced challenges with deep throws last season, improvements are expected as he gears up for the upcoming campaign.
Beck faces the challenge of adjusting to key losses like TE Brock Bowers and WR Ladd McConkey, both drafted in the top 40 of the NFL draft. Nevertheless, another year with the majority of the wide receiver corps should bolster his rapport and productivity. He remains a strong contender for the Heisman Trophy, poised to make significant strides throughout the season.
Gunner Stockton
Stockton, a rising redshirt sophomore, steps into the role as Beck’s backup following Vandagriff’s departure. A highly regarded 4-star recruit, Stockton has seen limited opportunities thus far. He has tallied 148 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception on 12/19 passing last season. He’s seen as the next UGA starter next season. Buried on the depth chart at UGA, Stockton is expected to see increased playing time in blowout games. This year serves as an audition for the starting role in 2025, akin to Vandagriff’s situation. While transfer rumors swirl, Stockton’s potential impact could solidify his future at Georgia.
Jaden Rashada
Rashada, a former Arizona State transfer, joins UGA as a redshirt freshman with aspirations to integrate into Georgia’s offensive scheme. Despite limited action before redshirting in 2023, Rashada brings promise as a 4-star recruit from high school. His arrival bolsters Georgia’s quarterback depth under Coach Kirby Smart’s strategy, aiming to acclimate Rashada gradually while cultivating his potential in garbage time opportunities this season.
Ryan Puglisi
Puglisi, a 6’3” freshman from Avon, CT, is expected to take a redshirt year as he adjusts to collegiate athletics. Amidst a competitive quarterback roster, Puglisi follows the path of predecessors like Beck and Stockton, who also redshirted their freshman years. Despite limited playing time, his future potential within Georgia’s quarterback ensemble remains bright, promising a developmental year under the guidance of offensive coordinator Mike Bobo.
