Kirby Smart says Georgia QB Gunner Stockton’s “improved immensely” as summer work continues

Georgia coach Kirby Smart told reporters Wednesday that he is “pleased” with Gunner Stockton’s growth at quarterback, saying The report-caller’s development “improved immensely” as he’s worked to become more comfortable under center.

Smart’s comments land in the middle of the Bulldogs’ ongoing process of building an offense around preparation and timing, a theme that tends to matter most early in camp and throughout preseason workouts. When a coach singles out a quarterback’s comfort in the pocket and command of the play, it is usually a reference to fundamentals, reads, and the day-to-day execution required to operate a complex college spread-and-run system at speed.

Stockton’s progress, as described by Smart, is framed specifically as improvement “under center.” That detail matters because quarterbacks handling snaps, footwork, and handoffs in tight formations are central to how many teams run their base run game and play-action concepts. The quarterback role is more than throwing volume, it is also a communication job and a decision job, and coaches often measure that progression in camp by how confidently a young quarterback handles routine and pressure situations alike.

For Georgia, the quarterback position has long been treated as a core component of the program’s identity, not merely a spot on the depth chart. Smart’s wording suggests that Stockton has moved beyond initial learning stages and is gaining more consistent rhythm with the offense’s mechanics. In college football, the gap between “learning” and “operating” can show up quickly in practice, especially in periods focused on execution: cadence consistency, quick diagnostic reads, and the ability to adjust protection or route concepts when the defense disguises coverage.

The timing of Smart’s comments is also notable. August evaluations can influence how coaches distribute reps and simplify or expand the playbook for the rest of the group. Even when a team keeps its public stance careful during preseason, a coach’s praise can function as a report that the quarterback room has made enough strides to keep moving forward without losing time on basic corrections.

What to watch next is how Stockton’s growth translates when practices become more specific and more physical. In an SEC context, the difference between a quarterback who is “comfortable” and one who is “impactful” often shows up in third-down command, situational decision-making, and how quickly the offense executes after audibles or protections change. Smart’s message suggests the Bulldogs see real momentum in Stockton’s development, but the next phase is confirmation through consistent practice production.