In the world of college football, few positions carry as much weight as the quarterback. The player under center is often the face of the program, the one whose performance can make or break a season. For young quarterbacks like Gunner Stockton, this pressure is magnified even further, especially when expectations are high and comparisons to past greats are inevitable. Stockton, a highly touted recruit and Georgia Bulldog, has already shown flashes of brilliance. But to truly live up to the hype and carve out his own legacy, it may help to take a page from the book of one of college football’s most unlikely champions: Cardale Jones.
On the surface, Gunner Stockton and Cardale Jones might seem to have little in common. Stockton is a highly recruited dual-threat quarterback with exceptional skills both in the pocket and on the run. Jones, on the other hand, rose to prominence as a somewhat unheralded backup quarterback who led Ohio State to a national championship in 2015. But there’s something about Jones’ unexpected rise to glory that may offer Stockton valuable lessons in both embracing his own unique style and thriving in moments of opportunity.
Gunner Stockton: A Star in the Making
Gunner Stockton’s journey to Georgia is a tale of both incredible talent and sky-high expectations. A native of Georgia, Stockton attended Rabun County High School, where he became one of the most highly regarded quarterbacks in the country. With a strong arm, elite athleticism, and the ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground, Stockton was a force in high school football. His accolades include being named the 2020 Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year and accumulating over 10,000 yards of total offense during his high school career. These feats helped him secure a spot as a top quarterback recruit in the country, and ultimately, a commitment to Georgia, one of the premier college football programs.
As a freshman at Georgia, Stockton has the potential to follow in the footsteps of previous Bulldogs quarterbacks like Stetson Bennett and Jake Fromm, both of whom led the team to national prominence in their own right. But while there’s certainly value in continuing the Georgia quarterback legacy, it’s important for Stockton to understand that his journey doesn’t have to be a carbon copy of anyone else’s. In fact, embracing what makes him unique—his skills, his mentality, and his approach to the game—will likely serve him better in the long run.
That’s where the advice to “go be you” comes in. Stockton doesn’t need to be the next Fromm or Bennett. His strengths, both physically and mentally, are what make him special. To truly shine, Stockton must stay true to himself and develop his own style of play. Whether that means being more aggressive as a passer or utilizing his legs more often, the key is to be confident in his abilities and trust that his hard work and preparation will guide him.
Cardale Jones: The Unlikely Hero
While Stockton’s journey is just beginning, a comparison to Cardale Jones offers a valuable perspective on what happens when things don’t go according to plan—but ultimately work out better than expected. Jones, a former Ohio State quarterback, is best known for leading his team to a national championship in 2015, a season that saw him replace an injured J.T. Barrett and take over as the starter. What makes Jones’ story so compelling is how he went from being a third-string quarterback to the hero of one of college football’s most memorable runs to a championship.
Jones wasn’t supposed to be Ohio State’s quarterback in 2015. He wasn’t highly recruited out of high school and spent much of his career as a backup, waiting for his chance to prove himself. When Barrett went down with an injury late in the season, Jones was thrust into the spotlight. Despite the doubts surrounding him, Jones embraced the moment. In the Big Ten Championship Game, he delivered a standout performance against Wisconsin, and then, in the College Football Playoff, he guided Ohio State to victories over Alabama and Oregon, securing a national title.
Jones’ story is one of resilience, confidence, and seizing the opportunity when it’s presented. What makes his story even more remarkable is that, even after leading Ohio State to a national championship, he didn’t necessarily fit the traditional mold of a college football superstar. His path was unconventional, but it proved that greatness often arises from unexpected circumstances. For Gunner Stockton, the story of Cardale Jones can serve as both inspiration and a reminder of the unpredictability of the quarterback position. Sometimes, even when you’re not the “chosen one” or expected to be the hero, a singular moment of greatness can change the entire trajectory of a career.
Go Be You: Embrace Your Unique Style
Stockton is still very much in the early stages of his college career, and while comparisons to past players can be helpful, it’s critical that he avoids trying to live up to someone else’s legacy. Being true to himself—both as a player and as a leader—is the best path forward. What makes Stockton special is his dual-threat ability and his poise in high-pressure situations. He’s a quarterback who can make plays with his arm, but also a player who can take off and make things happen with his legs when the pocket breaks down.
Much like Cardale Jones, Stockton doesn’t need to follow the exact path of other successful quarterbacks in order to carve out his own legacy. Rather than trying to emulate someone else, Stockton should focus on what he does best: leading his team, being dynamic, and using his unique skill set to his advantage.
By embracing the qualities that set him apart from other quarterbacks—his athleticism, his playmaking ability, and his calm demeanor—Stockton can become a quarterback who is remembered for his own achievements, not as a shadow of someone else. In fact, one of the best things that could happen for Stockton is for him to become the type of player that younger quarterbacks look up to, the same way that fans and players look back on Jones’ championship run as a story of perseverance and overcoming the odds.
Maybe Be Cardale Jones: Seize the Moment
While it’s important for Stockton to be true to himself, there’s also a lesson to be learned from Cardale Jones’ ability to seize the moment. Sometimes, no matter how prepared or talented a player is, success is about timing and taking advantage of the opportunities that come your way. For Jones, that moment came when he was called upon to start in place of the injured J.T. Barrett, and he not only delivered but thrived under the immense pressure of the College Football Playoff.
For Gunner Stockton, the future will likely present similar pivotal moments—opportunities where he must rise to the occasion and perform under pressure. In those moments, Stockton should channel his inner Cardale Jones: don’t worry about being perfect, just step up and take control. Sometimes, it’s not about following the script but making your own way.
For now, Stockton’s future is bright. He has the tools to be successful at Georgia and beyond. But as he navigates his college career, it will be important for him to balance the need to “be you” with the lessons learned from those who have walked similar paths before him. Like Cardale Jones, Gunner Stockton’s greatest opportunities may come when he least expects it. And when they do, the key will be having the confidence to seize the moment and make it his own.
In the end, the advice is simple: Gunner Stockton, go be you—but also, maybe be Cardale Jones. The world is waiting for you to make your mark.