In Tuesday's press conference, Kirby Smart was asked directly about Gunner Stockton's potential role as the Bulldogs' backup quarterback. Instead of confirming Stockton's position, Smart emphasized the depth and talent within the entire quarterback group.

His response reflected the team's unique situation, with more viable options at the position than in previous seasons.

Kirby Smart has assembled a talented quarterback room featuring starting QB Carson Beck and backups Gunner Stockton and Jaden Rashada. Smart encourages each player to practice with a "next man up" mentality, ensuring they’re all prepared for any scenario. When asked about naming a backup quarterback, Smart dodged the question, instead praising the entire group’s talent. He emphasized that any one of them could potentially step into the backup role, showcasing the depth and versatility of his quarterback unit.

Smart highlighted the Bulldogs' quarterback depth, stating, "We have a group of quarterbacks that have done a great job. I think we've got depth in the quarterback position that we're not used to having in terms of guys that have experience, some guys that are young, some guys that have played like Gunner and Jaden, and they've done a tremendous job."

Carson Beck has made it clear to his fellow quarterbacks this offseason to prepare as if they’ll be the starter in Week 1 against Clemson. This mindset stems from Beck's own experience in 2021 when Georgia offensive coordinator Todd Monken named him the backup to JT Daniels. However, when Daniels was injured, it was Stetson Bennett who ultimately stepped in as the starting quarterback, setting the stage for the Bulldogs eventual success.

Although Gunner Stockton has primarily practiced with the second team and is widely believed to be the backup quarterback, Kirby Smart remains tight-lipped about it. He doesn't want opposing teams to prepare for a specific backup entering the game, a lesson he learned from former Alabama head coach Nick Saban.

In the 2017 National Championship, Saban benched starting quarterback Jalen Hurts for Tua Tagovailoa, who led Alabama to a 26-23 victory over Georgia. Smart seems to have taken a page from Notorious B.I.G.'s playbook: "Never let them know your next move."