Daylen Everette sums up what makes Gunner Stockton so special after winning SEC Championship MVP for Georgia Bulldogs
Gunner Stockton won SEC Championship MVP, and according to his teammates, his toughness is what makes it happen for Kirby Smart and Georgia
Only one of the two starting quarterbacks heading into the SEC Championship Game had “first round NFL Draft pick” buzz prior to the battle between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Alabama Crimson Tide. That quarterback was not Gunner Stockton. However, despite the lack of respect or hype surrounding Stockton, and all the love for Alabama and Ty Simpson coming in, it was the Georgia quarterback who won SEC Championship MVP on Saturday. After the game, fellow Bulldogs star Daylen Everette couldn’t help but sum up exactly what makes Stockton so special.
Daylen Everette credits Gunner Stockton’s toughness for his success at Georgia
Star cornerback Daylen Everette and quarterback Gunner Stockton were the two players who joined Kirby Smart for the postgame press conference following Georgia’s 28-7 destruction of Kalen DeBoer and Alabama on Saturday. Everette, of course, grabbed the lone interception of the game for Georgia and tallied a few tackles, putting together yet another phenomenal performance for the Bulldogs when the lights were brightest. And rather than try to give himself any credit, he took every chance he had to prop up many of his teammates, Gunner Stockton included.
This wasn’t Everette’s first incredible game for Georgia. In fact, the Georgia cornerback won the SEC Championship MVP last season for grabbing two interceptions and adding a few tackles against Texas in late 2024. Everette was asked about how excited he was to see Gunner Stockton win that award this year, and here’s what he had to say:
“It’s a great feeling to see [Gunner Stockton] get that award. Just proud of him for everything he’s done this year. He’s probably one of the toughest kids on the team — toughest kid I know. He takes all the hits all game. He just pops right back up like nothing happened. I’m proud of him for what he’s done.”
Everette isn’t kidding. Gunner Stockton’s toughness has been something that’s rallied the Georgia Bulldogs dating back to his first significant snaps a year ago in the SEC Championship game against Texas. That hasn’t changed since then either. Stockton took plenty of hits all season long this fall and kept coming back seemingly stronger. Against Alabama, it was more of the same there. Even on his touchdown play to wide receiver Zachariah Branch (in post above), he got absolutely smoked as he was releasing the ball.
Stockton’s toughness, grit, and drive to make the most out of every single play and opportunity have been hugely important for Georgia’s success this season. He struggled a bit to open this season as a passer, but Stockton still kept improving, taking shots, and inspiring the team around him with his toughness. He may not have the prettiest passes in the nation. He may not have the most ridiculous stat lines. Still, Stockton continues making smart plays. Throwing three touchdowns, completing nearly 80% of his passes, and running for 40 yards on the ground is more than enough to win when Georgia’s defense is playing as good as they have been too.
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