Carson Beck had a lock on the Georgia football starting quarterback job all offseason after his strong showing in that role in 2023.

The question was, who would step into the backup role after Brock Vandagriff’s transfer to Kentucky?

Gunner Stockton exited the spring as the clear cut No. 2, but high-profile transfer Jaden Rashada has since joined the program as a redshirt freshman from Arizona State, where he had some starting experience.

So with the Clemson opener looming on Aug. 31, coach Kirby Smart was asked Tuesday if Stockton has won the backup job.

He didn't say that, but offered praise with what Stockton has done this preseason, including the second scrimmage Saturday, indicating he's done nothing to let someone else close the gap.

"Gunner's had two of his better scrimmages, had probably his best scrimmage since being here in the last one," Smart said.

Rashada and true freshman Ryan Puglisi make it four scholarship quarterbacks for the Bulldogs.

Stockton, a redshirt sophomore from Rabun County, completed 6 of 10 passes for 96 yards and two touchdowns and while rushing for 46 yards in a blowout win over Florida State in the Orange Bowl.

"We have a group of quarterbacks that have done a great job," Smart said. "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."

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Kirby Smart on Georgia football backup QB battle behind Carson Beck