Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton he has been waiting his whole life for this moment.
Gunner was elevated to the role of starting quarterback for the University of Georgia after quarterback Carson Beck injured his elbow during the SEC Championship Game against Texas on Dec. 7. Beck underwent season-ending surgery and has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Born in Tiger, Georgia, about 75 miles from the University of Georgia campus in Athens, Gunner grew up a big Bulldogs fan. The son of two college athletes — his father, Rob, played football at Georgia Southern and his mother, Sherri, played basketball at Erskine College — he has athletics in his blood.
“The best thing about Gunner is that he is known by our community, and especially our family, his friends, and those people who are closest to him, believe in him,” Rob told UGASports in a story published on Sunday, December 29. He always loved him and wanted the best for him. This is something he has worked for [and] something he dreamed of.”
Rob added, “You look at pictures of your kid, and he’s throwing a football in your yard and he dreams of being the starting quarterback at the University of Georgia. It has happened. It’s not fair.”
To find out more about Gunner’s story, read on.
Gunner Stockton Was Named After His Great Grandfather
Gunner’s grandfather, VD Stocktonserved in World War II. The newspaper at the time called him “Gunner Stockton.”
In accordance with AthleticGunner’s parents liked this nickname so much that they decided to give it to their son.
Gunner’s Grandfather Dies After Leaving Georgia Game
In October 2010, Gunner’s grandfather, Lawrence Stocktondied shortly after leaving Georgia’s 34-31 overtime loss to the Florida Gators at EverBank Field in Jacksonville.
In accordance with ESPN, Lawrence returned to the backfield after the game collapsed and died of a heart attack. He was 63 years old.
Gunner Stockton is close to his older sister
Gunner shares a close relationship with his older sister, Georgiahis only sibling.
The two shared a sweet moment when Georgia was dropped off at Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina in the summer of 2019.
“PC officially has a player on campus,” Gunner shared on Instagram. “I know it will be hard not seeing me every day but I hope it won’t be too hard for you 😂 You are a sweetheart. I love you more than you know ❤️”
In 2021, Gunner and Georgia take over a Bulldogs game on the sidelines of Sanford Stadium.
“A great way to end the week,” Gunner wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of himself and his sister.
Gunner, Georgia and the rest of their extended family spent the holidays together in 2024, a few days before the Bulldogs’ game against Notre Dame in the 2025 Sugar Bowl, as evidenced by a series of photos shared by Georgia via Instagram.
Gunner Stockton Committed to South Carolina
Gunner originally committed to play quarterback at SEC rival South Carolina. However, he announced his retirement in January 2021.
“After much discussion and prayer with my family, I have decided to withdraw from the University of South Carolina,” Gunner said in a statement at the time. “In August I decided to commit to the University, programs and staff. A lot has changed since then, and I feel that I have to reassess my situation.”
Gunner’s decision came after Will Muschampthe head coach Gunner committed to, was fired.
The quarterback announced his commitment to the University of Georgia later that month.
Gunner Stockton Drives His Grandfather’s Old Truck Around Campus
When you see a 1984 Ford F-150 driving around Georgia’s campus, that’s the start of a team.
“It was really broken down, it was parked at their house and they wouldn’t let it go,” his father, Rob, told the newspaper. The Athens Banner-Herald in a story published on Friday, December 27. “He wanted to run it, so he and I talked about it.”
According to the store, Rob helps run the family-owned auto shop since 1956.
The truck does not have air conditioning and has over 300,000 miles on the odometer.
“I’d say you’re going to keep driving that old truck any chance you get,” said Rob.