Kirby Smart held his opening press conference of the spring on Tuesday and discussed the quarterback position as we enter the 2023 season.
With two-time national championship-winning quarterback Stetson Bennett off to the NFL, Kirby Smart will once again be faced with a decision to make at the quarterback position. He’ll be joined in that decision making process by offensive coordinator and former Georgia passer Mike Bobo.
The three guys who could contend for Georgia’s starter at quarterback are Carson Beck, Brock Vandagriff and Gunner Stockton.
Smart said the competition will open this spring with Beck and Vandagriff splitting first team reps over the next month.
“We think we have three really good quarterbacks,” Smart said.
“I do look forward to seeing Carson and Brock getting a lot of that action, they will both rep with the ones,” Smart said. “As far as how much, that will play itself out over the course of the spring.
But don’t count out Stockton, said Smart.
“Gunner (Stockton) has come a long way, so I’m excited to see what those guys can do.”
Smart was asked to compare the arm strength between Beck and Stockton:
“I think it’s hard to say who has the stronger arm; I think those two guys would argue about who has the stronger arm,” Smart said.
“I don’t honestly know who has the stronger arm just from what we’ve seen in the past. You’ve got to see those guys play in game action. I think they both have a good pocket presence.”
For some background on the three quarterbacks:
Carson Beck:
Year: Redshirt junior
Height and weight: 6-foot-4, 215 pounds
As a recruit: Class of 2020, 4-star, No. 5 pro-style quarterback
Brock Vandagriff:
Year: Redshirt sophomore
Height and weight: 6-foot-3, 205 pounds
As a recruit: Class of 2021, 5-star, No. 4 quarterback
Gunner Stockton:
Year: Redshirt freshman
Height and weight: 6-foot-1, 210 pounds
As a recruit: Class of 2022, 4-star, No. 7 quarterback
