Gunner Stockton's Personal Stakes Heighten Rivalry with Florida

As the Georgia Bulldogs gear up to face the Florida Gators on Saturday, November 1, the stakes are high. The matchup not only carries the weight of a fierce rivalry but also has implications for the College Football Playoff and a potential SEC championship berth. For quarterback Gunner Stockton, however, the game holds even deeper significance.

EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, is not just another venue for Stockton; it is the site where his grandfather passed away in 2010. “He had a heart attack there at the stadium,” Stockton, 21, recounted in an interview. “Every time we go to Florida, I really want to beat them bad in Jacksonville.”

Lawrence Stockton, Gunner’s grandfather, was a proud UGA School of Pharmacy alumnus. Tragically, he attended a game on the day of his death—a heartbreaking 34-31 loss to the Gators. He collapsed while conversing with a friend in the parking lot after the game, leaving behind cherished memories for his family.

“He said something about [former Bulldogs defensive coordinator] Todd Grantham and collapsed,” recalled Suzanne Frederickson, Lawrence’s widow. Gunner was only six years old when he lost his grandfather, yet vivid memories remain. “He lived on the lake, and he always treated us so good and spoiled the grandkids,” Gunner shared. “He was just a great granddad.”

Football runs deep in Gunner’s family. Growing up just 75 miles from Athens, Georgia, he was immersed in Bulldogs culture, being the son of two former college athletes. Initially committed to South Carolina during high school—where one of his coaches served as offensive coordinator—Gunner switched to Georgia after that coach moved to Auburn.

“The No. 1 thing for Gunner is he’s known our community, and especially our family, his friends and those people closest to him, believe in him,” his father Rob stated. “We’ve always loved him and want the best for him. This is something that he’s worked for [and] something he’s dreamed of.”

Rob continued, “You look at pictures of your kid, and they’re throwing the ball in your backyard and dreaming of being the starting quarterback at the University of Georgia. It has happened. It is unreal.”

Now in his fourth season with the Bulldogs, Gunner redshirted during their 2022 National Championship run. Fast forward three years, and he stands as the starting quarterback with an impressive record of 10 touchdowns against just one interception. The opportunity for another championship ring—and even a shot at the Heisman Trophy—looms large.

With five games left in the regular season, head coach Kirby Smart emphasizes growth for his quarterback. “We give Gunner a lot of latitude and options in terms of the play call,” Smart explained. “It’s more about putting us in the right play to be successful based on what they’re in defensively. I don’t think he gets enough credit for that decision-making process.”

The highly anticipated kickoff between Georgia and Florida is set for 3:30 p.m. ET Saturday on ABC.