As the 2024 college football season approaches, the Georgia Bulldogs are once again positioned to contend for a national championship, thanks in large part to their strong roster and continued success in recruiting. While much of the attention has focused on Georgia’s dominant defense and explosive running game, one of the most intriguing storylines of the spring has been the competition for the quarterback position. After the departure of Stetson Bennett, who led Georgia to back-to-back national titles, the Bulldogs are in the midst of transitioning to a new quarterback, and the depth chart has undergone significant changes.
The quarterback battle during spring practice has been fierce, with several talented players vying for the starting role. Georgia’s quarterback depth chart is expected to be a crucial factor in their pursuit of another championship, and the developments in spring camp will provide a glimpse into how the team will shape its offense in the 2024 season. This article will take a detailed look at the updated quarterback depth chart for Georgia football, analyzing the key players, their strengths and weaknesses, and what the spring practices have revealed about the competition under center.
Georgia’s QB Legacy: From Bennett to the Next Star
Before diving into the 2024 quarterback depth chart, it’s important to acknowledge the legacy of Georgia’s recent quarterbacks. Stetson Bennett, who is now with the Los Angeles Rams after a historic college career, etched his name into Georgia folklore by leading the Bulldogs to their first national title in over 40 years in 2022, followed by a dominant repeat performance in 2023. Bennett’s poise, leadership, and clutch performances helped elevate Georgia’s offense to new heights, and his departure has left big shoes to fill.
While the task of replacing a two-time national champion may seem daunting, Georgia has recruited highly talented quarterbacks in recent years, and spring practice has shown that there is no shortage of capable candidates. With head coach Kirby Smart’s commitment to maintaining Georgia’s status as a national powerhouse, the Bulldogs have focused on ensuring that the quarterback position remains in good hands, despite the loss of Bennett.
The Top Contender: Carson Beck
As spring practice unfolded, one name stood above the rest when it came to the quarterback battle—Carson Beck. A redshirt sophomore who has been waiting in the wings for his chance to start, Beck is widely considered the favorite to be Georgia’s starting quarterback in 2024. Beck, a former highly rated recruit out of Mandarin High School in Jacksonville, Florida, has spent the last few seasons learning behind Bennett and gaining valuable experience in practice.
Beck stands at 6’4″ and weighs around 215 pounds, with a strong, accurate arm and the athleticism to extend plays when necessary. He has shown flashes of brilliance in his limited playing time over the past few seasons, most notably in mop-up duty during blowout wins, but the 2024 season will be his first as a full-time starter.
What sets Beck apart as the frontrunner for the job is his combination of physical tools and mental maturity. Despite his relative inexperience, Beck has already shown poise under pressure and the ability to make quick decisions. In spring practice, he has displayed excellent command of the offense, working well with the offensive line and the team’s talented group of skill players. Beck’s performance in the spring scrimmages has been a key indicator that he is ready to take over the reins of Georgia’s high-powered offense.
Beck’s leadership abilities have also stood out during the spring. His natural confidence and demeanor in the huddle have earned him the respect of his teammates, and he’s shown that he can keep the offense calm and focused, even in high-pressure situations. With a strong supporting cast and a well-rounded offensive scheme, Beck has the potential to lead Georgia to another championship run.
The Backup Battle: Brock Vandagriff and Gunner Stockton
While Carson Beck is the clear front-runner, Georgia’s spring practices have highlighted the competition behind him. Two players, Brock Vandagriff and Gunner Stockton, have been battling for the backup role, and their performances in spring camp have shown that both are talented quarterbacks with unique skill sets. While Beck has a leg up in terms of experience, Vandagriff and Stockton are no slouches, and each brings something different to the table.
Brock Vandagriff: The Dual-Threat Quarterback
Brock Vandagriff, a former five-star recruit from Prince Avenue Christian School in Bogart, Georgia, is one of the most highly regarded quarterbacks to ever sign with the Bulldogs. At 6’3″ and around 210 pounds, Vandagriff has excellent athleticism and is capable of making plays with both his arm and his legs. His dual-threat ability makes him a dangerous weapon in both the passing and running game, and his mobility gives him the flexibility to escape pressure when necessary.
During spring practices, Vandagriff has showcased his ability to throw the ball accurately on the move, and he has impressed coaches with his playmaking ability in scrimmages. His ability to extend plays and make things happen outside the pocket is a major asset, and while Beck is more of a traditional pocket passer, Vandagriff could be a valuable option for certain offensive packages that require a quarterback to be more mobile.
However, Vandagriff’s biggest challenge has been consistency. While he has flashed moments of brilliance, he has also struggled with decision-making at times. In spring practices, there have been instances where Vandagriff has thrown interceptions or held onto the ball too long, leading to sacks or negative plays. His raw talent is undeniable, but he will need to continue refining his game to be ready to take on a larger role.
Gunner Stockton: The Young Prodigy
Gunner Stockton, a true freshman who enrolled at Georgia in January 2024, has made a name for himself during the spring. Stockton, who was a four-star recruit out of Raven County High School in Tiger, Georgia, is an exciting young prospect who possesses great natural ability. At 6’1″ and around 200 pounds, Stockton is a dynamic athlete with excellent arm strength and a quick release.
While Stockton is still very much a work in progress, he has shown flashes of his potential in spring practices. His ability to make deep throws and his strong mobility have turned heads, and many believe that he has the talent to eventually become Georgia’s quarterback of the future. Despite his youth, Stockton has already proven himself to be a quick learner, picking up the playbook and adjusting to the pace of college football.
What makes Stockton particularly intriguing is his high football IQ and his ability to read defenses quickly. Though he is still getting adjusted to the speed of the SEC, Stockton’s development during spring practices suggests that he could be a major contributor down the line. While it’s unlikely that he will start in 2024, Stockton’s potential could make him a strong backup option or even a future starter.
Other QB Depth Chart Options: Development and Depth
While Carson Beck, Brock Vandagriff, and Gunner Stockton have been the focus of the quarterback battle, it’s worth noting that Georgia has other quarterbacks on the roster who provide depth at the position. These players may not be in the running for the starting job in 2024, but they will likely play important roles in the future.
Ryan Puglisi: The Redshirt Freshman
Ryan Puglisi is a redshirt freshman who is still adjusting to the college game. A former three-star recruit out of Massachusetts, Puglisi has a solid arm and a good understanding of the game, but he will need more time to develop before he’s ready for significant playing time. While he’s unlikely to challenge for the starting job this season, Puglisi’s growth during the year could make him a key player for the future.
Eli Holstein: Another Freshman to Watch
Eli Holstein, another freshman on the roster, has yet to see significant action but has the potential to develop into a key contributor in the future. Holstein, like Stockton, is an early enrollee who is getting a head start in his college career. With a year or two of development, Holstein could become a factor in the quarterback competition for future seasons.
A QB Depth Chart Full of Promise and Competition
The Georgia Bulldogs’ quarterback depth chart is loaded with talent heading into the 2024 season. Carson Beck is the clear frontrunner to lead the offense, but Brock Vandagriff and Gunner Stockton are both highly capable quarterbacks who bring unique skills to the table. The competition at the position has been fierce during spring practices, and while Beck is expected to be the starter, the depth and development of the other quarterbacks on the roster are promising signs for the future.
As the Bulldogs continue their preparations for the upcoming season, the quarterback position will be critical to their success. With a strong supporting cast of skill players and a dominant defense, Georgia’s next quarterback will have the opportunity to lead a championship-caliber team. Whether it’s Beck, Vandagriff, Stockton, or someone else, the future of Georgia football at the quarterback position is in good hands.