Kirby Smart calls Georgia backup QB Gunner Stockton 'special'

Georgia football head coach Kirby Smart had full confidence in backup quarterback Gunner Stockton.

“This kid is a winner. This kid is special,” Smart said after Stockton led the Bulldogs to a 22-19 overtime win over the Texas Longhorns in the SEC championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday.

The Bulldogs were trailing the Longhorns 6-3 when Georgia quarterback Carson Beck was ejected on the final play of the first half. Beck was hit by Longhorns defensive edge Trey Moore and suffered a hand injury. Stockton began the third quarter, leading the Bulldogs on a 10-play, 75-yard drive capped by Trevor Etienne’s 10-yard touchdown run. It set the tone for Georgia in the second half.

Smart praised Stockton, a redshirt sophomore, for the comeback: “I didn’t say a word to him. (Quarterback) coach (Michael) Bobo did it and all the coaches did it and he believed.

SEC CHAMPIONSHIP:Final result Georgia vs. Texas, highlights

Stockton, who completed 12 of 16 passes for 71 yards and one interception, credited his teammates as inspiration for his performance.

“It’s because of the love I have for everyone in the locker room. All seniors. “I wanted to go the right way,” he said. “It’s pretty awesome. It’s special with the guys I get to do it with.”

Etienne said he was “proud” of Stockton: “He works so hard day in and day out. He never complains…It shows how much work he puts in.”

Saturday’s win marks Georgia’s second SEC championship in three seasons. With the conference win, Georgia secured a spot in the 12-team College Playoff round.

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