Gunner Stockton’s growth stands out in Georgia camp

ATHENS — Kirby Smart came away from Georgia’s first preseason scrimmage with plenty of things he still wants fixed.

His quarterback wasn’t high on that list.

With the Bulldogs moving closer to their Sept. 5 season opener against Tennessee State, Smart offered perhaps his strongest endorsement yet of fifth-year quarterback Gunner Stockton, praising the veteran’s development while assessing where Georgia stands following its first major scrimmage of fall camp.

Smart said Stockton has “improved immensely,” pointing not only to his ability to throw the football but to the command and confidence he now brings to the position.

The improvement has shown up in Stockton’s ability to process defenses, handle protection responsibilities and operate within the pocket.

It’s the kind of progress Georgia hoped to see from a quarterback who enters the season firmly established as the leader of the Bulldogs’ offense.

While Smart liked what he saw from Stockton, his assessment of the team as a whole was considerably more cautious.

Georgia conducted its scrimmage in oppressive heat and humidity, conditions Smart believed provided a valuable test of the Bulldogs’ physical and mental toughness.

The conditions became particularly difficult as the scrimmage progressed, making it harder to throw the football effectively. Georgia didn’t back off, however, and Smart was pleased with the way his players continued to compete.

That didn’t mean he was satisfied.

“We’re not near where we need to be yet,” Smart said.

One of the questions remaining on offense is who will emerge around Stockton.

Georgia has talent at wide receiver, but Smart said no one has separated himself as a dominant option. Several of the Bulldogs’ younger receivers have made progress, and Smart has been pleased with the group’s work ethic, but the competition remains open.

There is a similar situation in the backfield.

Georgia is searching for a running back capable of replacing Cash Jones’ role on third down, where understanding pass protections and routes and being a reliable receiver can be just as important as carrying the football.

So far, Smart said nobody has clearly seized the job.

The Bulldogs also continue to develop depth on the offensive line.

Center Drew Bobo practiced fully Tuesday after suffering a finger injury in the scrimmage, easing concerns about his availability. Behind Bobo, Cortez Smith and Malachi Toliver remain in a close competition, with Smith’s ability to also play guard giving Georgia additional flexibility.

Smart also singled out offensive tackle Juan Gaston as a player with considerable athletic ability but one who needs to improve his stamina.

That concern extended beyond Gaston.

The heat exposed an area Smart wants the entire team to improve — sustaining a high level of play throughout long drives rather than performing well for only a handful of snaps.

Defensively, Smart was reluctant to make sweeping judgments based on one scrimmage.

Georgia’s defensive front had its share of success, but Smart viewed the more important takeaway as the Bulldogs’ willingness to continue competing through difficult conditions.

Linebacker Chris Cole has distinguished himself in that area. Smart praised Cole as one of Georgia’s hardest workers and a player capable of maintaining the practice intensity the coaching staff demands.

Cornerback Ellis Robinson IV continues to impress with his competitiveness and talent, though Smart said the junior is still learning to quickly put bad plays behind him rather than allowing a completion to linger.

Those are the kinds of details Smart is focused on with a little more than two weeks remaining before the season begins.

Georgia has an experienced quarterback Smart believes has made a significant jump.

Around him, there is still plenty to sort out.

And after the Bulldogs’ first major test of preseason camp, Smart made it clear they aren’t finished yet.