Gunner Stockton holds the keys to the Georgia offense this spring, but a battle is unfolding right behind him. Redshirt freshman Ryan Montgomery is pushing for a spot on the quarterback depth chart, challenging Ryan Puglisi for the backup role in Athens.
DawgsHQ recruiting insider Rusty Mansell closely monitors the daily rotations in Athens. He sees a competitive situation brewing behind Stockton.
Ryan Montgomery Vies for Reps As Ryan Puglisi Holds the QB2 Spot
“Ryan Puglisi is firmly the number two, but I think Ryan Montgomery is a kid that just keeps stacking really good practices,” Mansell recently noted on “Crain & Company”. “You know, he’s coming off the ACL. He’s out of a brace now.”
Coach Kirby Smart echoed that sentiment this week, noting that Montgomery is throwing a catchable ball and handling the playbook volume well for a freshman. The physical velocity is already returning. Now he just needs the live repetitions to build his pocket stamina.
“He’ll be one of those guys, if he has a really good spring game, you know how those go on TV when everybody gets to see it,” Mansell added. “You don’t really know what the coverage is because Kirby Smart isn’t going to sit there and show exotic stuff. They’re going to be in base defense, and these guys are going to know what they’re in. So, these quarterbacks should have a good G-Day.”
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Puglisi has a schematic advantage right now based on his time in the facility. He spent the 2025 season in the system, appearing in seven games and gaining experience against defenses. You cannot easily replicate those mental reps.
“But I think Puglisi is the guy right now at number two, though I think Ryan Montgomery is a guy certainly worthy of mentioning,” Mansell concluded.
Stockton is currently managing a minor offseason knee injury that requires him to wear a sleeve during practice. Head coach Kirby Smart insists his starter is fine and taking reps. That lingering physical issue magnifies the importance of the backup quarterback competition.
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Stockton took hits late last season, specifically in the 39-34 Sugar Bowl loss to Ole Miss. Georgia understands that a championship contender is always one blindside hit away from disaster. The Bulldogs need a reliable insurance policy under center to survive the Southeastern Conference gauntlet.
If Montgomery keeps accelerating his physical recovery, Puglisi will have to fight to keep his spot on the depth chart. The Georgia coaching staff welcomes the competition of a backup quarterback battle.
