Georgia Football Prioritizes Leadership in QB Recruitment

Georgia’s football recruitment strategy places a strong emphasis on leadership qualities in quarterback prospects. Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo recently discussed the essential attributes he seeks when evaluating players for this critical position.

Georgia’s Recent Recruitment Landscape

This year, the Georgia Bulldogs did not add a high school quarterback to their roster. A notable player, 5-star prospect Jared Curtis, initially committed but ultimately chose to join Vanderbilt instead. Curtis was highly regarded for his physical skills, including a strong arm, athleticism, and significant size.

Bobo’s Evaluation Criteria

Bobo clarified his criteria for scouting quarterback talent at a recent press conference in New Orleans. “When you’re reviewing film, talent is crucial,” he said. “Key aspects include the way the ball is thrown and how a player navigates the pocket.” While Bobo acknowledges the importance of athleticism, he emphasizes the need for quarterbacks to possess strong leadership qualities.

• Key Attributes Bobo Looks For:
  • Talent and physical traits
  • Pocket presence
  • Ability to command respect in the huddle

Bobo pointed to success with Carson Beck, who played as a traditional pocket passer. Beck led Georgia to two SEC Championship Games during his time, totaling 29 touchdowns, despite having a notable number of turnovers.

Current Quarterback Dynamics

This season, Gunner Stockton has emerged as the primary quarterback, achieving 31 touchdowns with a solid completion rate and fewer turnovers compared to Beck. He has demonstrated his versatility with impressive rushing numbers, making him harder for defenses to predict.

• Stockton’s Season Stats:
  • Total Touchdowns: 31 (23 passing, 8 rushing)
  • Interceptions: 5
  • Passing Yards: 2,691
  • Rushing Yards: 441

As the Bulldogs look to the future, they have secured a 2028 commitment from Jayden Wade, a 5-star quarterback from IMG Academy, who is currently the top prospect for his class. The team plans to continue exploring quarterback options after missing out on Curtis.

Looking Ahead

Bobo expressed a balanced view on quarterback recruitment, acknowledging the benefits of having a dual-threat quarterback like Stockton while also being open to diverse skill sets. “It’s about tailoring the offense to fit the quarterback’s strengths,” he noted. The program is committed to maintaining a competitive edge by carefully selecting future quarterbacks who demonstrate both talent and leadership abilities.