David Pollack didn’t mince words. The former Georgia Bulldogs DE turned analyst is threw down a bold prediction: Gunner Stockton, the Bulldogs’ projected 2025 starting quarterback, will have a better season than Carson Beck did in 2024. That’s a massive statement, considering Beck’s efficiency, arm talent, and command of Georgia’s offense last year. But Pollack isn’t just making noise—he sees something special in Stockton. He calls him humble, easy to root for, and, more importantly, poised to take a leap. Yet, there’s one glaring issue: how does a passer thrive when his security head suffered a dislocated finger during spring practice. Stockton might have all the tools, but Georgia’s front 7 and skill positions are flashing warning signs.

“I think Gunner Stockton will have a better year this year than Carson Beck had last year,” said Pollack. For a QB stepping into the spotlight, stability matters, and right now, Georgia’s offense doesn’t have much of it. The latest setback? Projected starting right tackle Earnest Green suffered a dislocated finger during spring practice, adding to an already concerning list of injuries and suspensions. Through 565 snaps last year, he earned just a 59.5 PFF grade, with a 65.7 pass-blocking grade. It’s not just Green. Ryan Kerley from Dawg Post has been sounding the alarm on Georgia’s offensive line depth, pointing out the massive talent drop-off from last year.

“The offensive line is a question mark—suspensions and injuries,” Kerley emphasized. “On paper, the players last year are better than the ones they’ll have this year. On paper, you had two All-Americans in Tate Ratledge and Dylan Fairchild. On paper, you had a guy who played six years of college football in Xavier Truss. On paper, you had Jared Wilson, who is tabbed as the most athletic offensive lineman in this coming NFL Draft.” The phrase “on paper” does a lot of heavy lifting there—because the reality is, Georgia’s current unit has a long way to go.

It doesn’t stop at the offensive line. The Bulldogs are dealing with depth concerns across the board. There are lingering injuries in the receiver room. Nitro Tuggle is indefinitely suspended. Georgia’s TE group remains strong, but the WR corps has question marks. So RBs? “Bowens—Chauncey Bowens or Dwight Phillips Jr.—step up?” Kerley questioned. “Then they’ve got Nitro Tuggle, who is indefinitely suspended right now. And I do think he will be a key piece in this Georgia wide receiver room.” He did mention optimism about Jaden Reddell, a redshirt freshman wearing No. 23, along with Lawson Luckie and Oscar Delp at tight end.

But overall, Georgia’s pass-catching depth isn’t as clear-cut as in years past. And with an offensive line still figuring itself out, that uncertainty amplifies. Stockton might have Pollack’s vote of confidence, but he won’t be able to do it alone. Then there’s the depth chart behind Gunner Stockton….

Georgia’s four-star freshman QB, Ryan Montgomery, saw his senior season cut short after tearing his ACL on August 12. He underwent successful surgery a month later, but there’s still no definitive timeline for his full recovery. That’s another layer of unpredictability for Kirby Smart’s offense already navigating so many moving parts. If Stockton goes down or struggles, what’s the contingency plan? The Bulldogs don’t have the luxury of proven veteran insurance this time around. Montgomery’s injury might not impact Week 1, but it could loom large as the season wears on.

And yet, Pollack isn’t backing down. His reasoning? Stockton’s mentality. “I don’t know that I’ve met a more humble kid,” Pollack said. “He is an easy kid to cheer for.” That’s a strong endorsement, and it speaks to the leadership qualities Stockton brings to the table. But leadership, grit, and work ethic can only take a QB so far when the pieces around him are in flux.

The Bulldogs also have concerns on the other side of the ball. Defensive drop-offs at Georgia don’t happen often, but losing safety Malaki Starks will have an impact. Even with Kirby Smart’s recruiting machine constantly restocking talent, Starks was a game-changer in the secondary—one of those instinctual, rangy safeties who always seemed to be in the right place. Without him, Georgia’s defense may have to rely more on outscoring opponents, putting even more pressure on Stockton and an offense that’s still finding its footing.

Gunner Stockton’s security requires security

Georgia’s offensive line is going through a rough patch, and if the Bulldogs want to keep Gunner Stockton upright, they’ll need to figure things out—fast. With multiple injuries and suspensions piling up, Kirby Smart has his hands full trying to patch together a unit that can protect his new starting quarterback.

Earnest Greene’s dislocated finger. The talented lineman has been forced to practice with a club, making it tough for him to use his hands effectively. “It’s frustrating for him because he can’t use his hand,” Smart said. But he remains optimistic. “I told him it’s going to be a chance to get a lot better because when he comes back with his use of his hand, he’s going to be a lot better.”

The problems don’t stop there. Monroe Freeling and Daniel Calhoun are out for the spring with injuries, while Marques Easley is suspended indefinitely. This instability is eerily similar to last season when Georgia’s injury-riddled offensive line led to the second-worst rushing attack in the SEC. And let’s not forget the two strip sacks Stockton took in the Sugar Bowl. If Georgia wants to make a serious run in 2025, they need to get this O-line sorted—and fast.