Georgia wrapped up spring practice this past Saturday with its annual G-Day scrimmage, showcasing the competition for the starting quarterback job between Gunner Stockton and Ryan Puglisi.
Both Bulldog quarterbacks struggled at times, but each also made some nice plays while under center.
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“Both did some good things, and both did some poor things, which when you get in a game environment, they need that,” Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said. “They need a game environment. They need a pocket. They need live reps. They need to play football and continue to get better.”
Stockton, who replaced Carson Beck in the SEC Championship game against Texas and started the Sugar Bowl versus Notre Dame last season, led the first-team offense most of the spring scrimmage.
Stockton completed 17 of 34 attempts for 309 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. After being picked off by cornerback Daniel Harris, he tossed touchdowns to Sacovie White and Jeremy Bell.
Smart said Stockton has demonstrated progress throughout the spring and noted his confidence is increasing. He pointed out, however, a few key mistakes made by the redshirt junior.
“Confidence, understanding the offense, knowing when to take a shot, which he didn’t do a great job with today,” Smart said. “He had a couple of times where he could have thrown the ball or checked it down. He took shots that he probably didn’t have to, but he’s done a good job with his feet, his legs.”
Puglisi, who started with the second-team offense but transitioned to the first-team unit, completed 23 of 49 passes for 224 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception during his first spring game.
Puglisi was picked off by cornerback Dominick Kelly but also fired touchdown passes to Colbie Young and London Humphreys.
Puglisi was an early enrollee last year but didn’t go through spring training due to an injury. So, this spring was his chance to prove to the staff he could battle Stockton for the starting quarterback job.
Smart said he was proud of how Puglisi competed the last month.
“Ryan continues to get better since it’s his first spring,” Smart said. “I mean, he hasn’t got a chance to compete and do much. He has grown. He’s still probably a little bit behind Gunner in terms of knowledge of the offense, but he’s catching up in regards of that. He’s getting experience, knowing when to pull it down and run it, when to throw it away, just game management decisions. He’s not gonna’ do anything but get better.”
Smart likely won’t name a starter until the end of fall camp in August but appears happy to have two guys who embrace competition. He said the two will continue to improve during summer workouts.
“They’re both great kids who have a great relationship with each other, and we’re very lucky to have two guys who care so much about Georgia,” Smart said.
