| Athens Banner-Herald
The recruitment of Rabun County quarterback Gunner Stockton is back and running after a long-standing commitment to South Carolina canceled by the Gamecocks on Tuesday.
“In August, I made the decision to commit to the university, the program and the team,” said Stockton via a Twitter post. “A lot has changed since then and I feel I have to re-evaluate my situation.”
Stockton chose South Carolina over UGA in August.
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Stockton’s relationship with the Shaw family played an important role in his recruitment and interest in the Gamecocks. Former South Carolina defender Connor Shaw is currently the defender coach for Gamecocks after spending time as Director of Player Development in 2020.
Her brother, Jaybo Shaw, is Rabun County’s football coach and athletic director.
Stockton’s relationship with former UGA player and former offensive coordinator Mike Bobo was instrumental in his initial promise, according to a source with direct information about Stockton’s recruitment. Bobo’s recent departure from the South Carolina team to lead Auburn’s attack prompted Stockton to look at his options and may play a role in where he finally lands.
South Carolina coach Will Muschamp was fired in December after a 2-8 season.
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Stockton’s relationship with Bobo is likely to push Auburn into the fray. Stockton will probably rekindle with UGA as well.
The UGA currently has JT Daniels set to pilot the attack in 2021 after he ended the 2020 season as the signal caller for the Bulldogs.
Five-star Brock Vandagriff has already signed up to UGA as a mid-year enrollee as a member of the 2021 autograph class.
Four-star Carson Beck of the 2020 class was redshirted in 2020 and will be on the list for next season as well.
Vandagriff and Beck are likely to fight for position number 2, with Beck potentially having the initial advantage due to age and familiarity with the system.
According to the source, Stockton will not be intimidated by the depth of the UGA in the position.
There will be an opportunity for competition and a chance to create a separation between the current Bulldogs quarterbacks and the five stars of the 2022 class.
The two five stars of consecutive classes are familiar with each other.
Vandagriff and Stockton dueled on national TV in September with Stockton and Rabun County preventing Vandagriff and Prince Avenue Christian 38-31.
Vandagriff had 198 passing yards and three touchdowns and three interceptions. Stockton totaled 187 passing yards, two touchdowns and an interception with 189 running yards and three touchdowns on 30 loads.