The Georgia Bulldogs had a bye week, giving starting quarterback Gunner Stockton the chance to return home to Rabun County High School, where he was honored as a local legend and had his No. 14 jersey officially retired.
“When we think about what it means to leave a legacy, we think about someone who has left an impact on their school and community that will endure the test of time,” the announcer said during Stockton's jersey retirement ceremony. “We think about their leadership and their relentless effort to be the best. We think about their character and integrity… the countless lives they’ve positively impacted along the way… and the standard they set for future generations.”
During his four years as the starting quarterback at Rabun County (2018–21) in Tiger, GA, Stockton led the Wildcats to a 46-7 record, four region championships, four 10-win seasons, and a perfect regular season. He also guided the team to four state quarterfinal appearances and a semifinal run in 2020.
Wins his first road start in one of CFB’s toughest environments one weekend, then heads back home in his 1984 F-150 for his jersey to be retired the next.
— Aaron Leicht (@aaronleicht) September 20, 2025
Gunner Stockton is quietly living out his childhood dream, and he’s earned every moment.
: @itsgeorgiatv | #GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/TivJV4CoDS
In addition to his star-studded high school career, Stockton earned a handful of prestigious awards:
-Four-time BLITZ Player of the Year
-Two-time AJC Offensive Player of the Year (2020, 2021)
-Two-time Georgia Athletic Coaches Offensive Player of the Year (2020, 2021)
-AJC Super 11 selection (2021)
-Gatorade Georgia Player of the Year (2021)
-Elite 11 invitee (2021)
From a hometown hero to patiently earning his place as a rising star in college football, Stockton has one simple piece of advice for the kids who look up to him.
"I think waiting, always trusting God’s plan, he always has a plan, even though you might not like the road there, but just trusting it,” Stockton said. “Being the quarterback at Georgia has been a little different, been a little different part of life, but I’ve enjoyed it and had a good season so far.”
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