Every week that rolls by, it’s a new accolade, honor, offer, or something else for Gunner Stockton. He’s still in his freshman year at Rabun County. His latest honor came Wednesday when Rusty Mansell, recruiting analyst for 247 Sports, officially invited Stockton to the 2022 U.S. Army All-American Bowl game. The prestigious game is typically open for the top nationally-ranked players in the country, broadcast live on NBC in the Alamo Dome in San Antonio, Texas.
Youngest in the history of the Bowl
The list of notable players in the past to participate is far too many to list, but includes 16 former Heisman trophy finalists, 52 Super Bowl champions, and 380 NFL draft picks. The game has included such QBs: Andrew Luck, Tim Tebow, Vince Young, Terrelle Pryor, Tajh Boyd, Aaron Murray, Teddy Bridgewater, Sam Darnold, Jacob Eason, and current NCAA stars Trevor Lawrence, Tua Tagovailoa, and Jake Fromm.
What makes Stockton’s invitation so unique is that he is the youngest player in the history of the Bowl to receive an invite.
Eight offers and counting
Wednesday morning also brought about another NCAA Division I offer for Stockton, as the University of South Carolina offered the 2022 dual threat QB. No coincidence, USC has ties with coach Jaybo Shaw, who’s younger brother Connor, played for the Gamecocks from 2010-13, and left as the all-time winningest QB at the university.
His offers now include: UGA, South Carolina, Georgia Tech, Army, Rutgers, Arkansas State, Colorado State, and Tennessee Tech. Clemson and Alabama have checked in and visited with him, but have yet to make their offers, although that surely will come at some point soon.
Stockton threw for 2,917 passing yards and 34 TDs in his 2018 freshman season, leading the Wildcats to a fourth straight quarterfinals run. He also ran for 709 yards and 17 TDs, giving him 3,626 total yards and 51 touchdowns overall. He completed 65% of his passes and threw just six interceptions.
Stockton was named BLITZ Player of the Year, Region 8-AA Offensive Player of the Year, All-State Class 2A by the GACA and Georgia Sports Writers Association, and named a MaxPreps All-American.
Feature Photo by Rabun County Football
