In the world of college football, the University of Georgia (UGA) has often found itself at the epicenter of quarterback intrigue. The Bulldogs have a proud tradition of producing quarterbacks who play under intense scrutiny, and their development has often been a reflection of the program’s larger ambitions. Today, as Gunner Stockton looks to carve his own path in Georgia’s quarterback room, his situation mirrors that of a previous UGA quarterback: Jake Fromm. From the high expectations to the tough early starts, Stockton is experiencing many of the same pressures that Fromm faced in his freshman year.
The Rise of Gunner Stockton
Gunner Stockton, a 2022 four-star recruit from the state of Georgia, came into Athens with high expectations. Rated as one of the top quarterbacks in the country, Stockton was seen as the heir apparent to Georgia’s quarterback position. With a strong arm and solid athleticism, he has the potential to follow in the footsteps of Bulldogs’ quarterbacks like Fromm, who led the team to a national title game and left a lasting legacy in Georgia football history.
However, much like Fromm before him, Stockton’s path to the starting role has not been smooth or straightforward. He has had to contend with a crowded quarterback room filled with talent. After all, Georgia has become accustomed to attracting some of the best quarterbacks in the country, thanks to its winning culture, recruiting prowess, and national prominence. Stockton’s journey has been marked by competition from other highly-touted recruits and veteran players, forcing him to bide his time and wait for the right moment to step into the starting role.
Jake Fromm’s First Start: A Freshman Under Fire
When Jake Fromm made his first start for Georgia in 2017, it was under very different circumstances than those that Stockton faces now. Fromm was thrust into the spotlight due to an injury to starting quarterback Jacob Eason in the first game of the season. This unexpected change forced Fromm into the driver’s seat early in his freshman campaign, with the weight of a national title contender resting on his shoulders.
Despite being a true freshman, Fromm’s first start was in a game of immense importance: the Bulldogs’ season opener against Appalachian State. Although Fromm was never expected to start the season as the number one quarterback, he was immediately thrown into a game with high expectations. From the outset, Fromm was tasked with leading a team that was loaded with talent, including future NFL players like Sony Michel, Nick Chubb, and Roquan Smith. The team’s defense was strong, but the offense relied heavily on Fromm to manage the game, avoid mistakes, and keep the team on track.
Fromm’s first start wasn’t flashy, but it was efficient. Georgia won the game 31-10, and Fromm completed 16 of 29 passes for 142 yards with a touchdown. While he didn’t light up the scoreboard, he showed composure and decision-making that belied his youth. Fromm’s ability to manage the game, make smart decisions, and lead the team to victory was a critical factor in Georgia’s success that year.
However, as the season progressed, it became clear that Fromm was not only capable of managing games but also capable of being the focal point of the offense. He ultimately led Georgia to the national title game, where they faced Alabama. While the Bulldogs lost in heartbreaking fashion, Fromm’s performance throughout the season cemented his place as one of the most promising quarterbacks in Georgia history.
Similar Pressures: Stockton’s Challenge
Now, with Gunner Stockton looking to make his mark as Georgia’s next great quarterback, his situation shares striking similarities with Jake Fromm’s early days at UGA. Both quarterbacks were highly touted recruits from the state of Georgia, and both were expected to inherit the starting job at some point. Yet, like Fromm, Stockton has had to wait his turn.
Stockton’s situation is unique in that he is stepping into the post-Stetson Bennett era at Georgia, following the national championship run of Bennett, who brought stability and leadership to the quarterback position. Bennett was an unexpected hero, leading the Bulldogs to a national championship in 2021 and then defending their title in 2022. His success created even higher expectations for whoever would take over the role in the future.
For Stockton, stepping into those shoes will not be easy. Just like Fromm had to live up to the expectations set by Eason’s injury and the explosive offense, Stockton faces the task of leading an offense built around the talent of running backs like Kendall Milton and Daijun Edwards, along with a defense that will once again be one of the nation’s best. The pressure of playing for a national powerhouse is immense, and the margin for error is thin. Stockton, like Fromm, will have to prove that he can handle the weight of those expectations.
The Transition: Learning from the Past
One of the biggest lessons that Jake Fromm’s first start taught both Georgia fans and college football analysts is the importance of quarterback development and the ability to grow under pressure. Fromm wasn’t perfect as a freshman, and neither will Stockton be. But the key for both players is showing composure in tough moments and allowing the game to slow down as they gain experience.
Fromm benefited from the leadership of seasoned players like Michel and Chubb, who took pressure off him early in the season and allowed him to learn the nuances of the game. Similarly, Stockton will have the advantage of learning from a coaching staff that has been through numerous successful quarterback transitions, including the experience of guiding Fromm through his own freshman campaign. The mentorship of offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, who has worked with successful quarterbacks in the past, will be vital in shaping Stockton’s development.
The Path Forward
As Gunner Stockton takes the next steps in his college career, he will undoubtedly face challenges. But just like Jake Fromm did in 2017, Stockton will have the opportunity to prove himself as a leader for a program that is constantly fighting for championships. The pressure to succeed, while daunting, also serves as motivation for players to rise to the occasion. With the right mentorship, development, and patience, Stockton has the potential to follow in Fromm’s footsteps as one of Georgia’s great quarterbacks.
In the end, the situations of Gunner Stockton and Jake Fromm serve as a reminder of how college football quarterbacks are often thrust into high-pressure environments early in their careers. Both players, though facing different challenges, must navigate the complexities of being a young leader under the spotlight of a top-tier program. If Stockton can handle the pressure and develop his game, his journey could mirror Fromm’s in more ways than one—culminating in a successful career that leaves a lasting legacy for the Bulldogs.
