Gunner Stockton, the talented quarterback for the Georgia Bulldogs, comes from a family where sports, hard work, and community involvement have always played important roles. His parents, Rob Stockton and Sherrie Stockton, both competed in college athletics before raising their children in the small town of Tiger, Georgia.
While Gunner has gained national recognition for his performances on the football field, his family’s athletic background has also attracted considerable interest. His father was an accomplished college football player, his mother played basketball at the collegiate level, and his older sister continued the family’s sporting tradition.
The Stockton family’s story stretches beyond college football, including a remarkable connection to World War II and the origins of Gunner’s distinctive first name.
Who Are Gunner Stockton’s Parents?
Gunner Stockton’s parents are Rob Stockton and Sherrie Stockton, longtime residents of the Rabun County area in northeast Georgia.
Both were college athletes who understood the dedication required to compete at a high level. Their experiences helped create a supportive environment for Gunner as he developed an interest in football.
Rob played defensive back at Georgia Southern University, while Sherrie competed in basketball at Erskine College.
The couple raised Gunner and his older sister, Georgia Stockton, in a household where athletic participation and education were strongly encouraged.
Their involvement in local schools and sports programs also made them familiar figures within the Rabun County community.
Father Rob Stockton
Rob Stockton, Gunner’s father, is a former college football player who established an impressive reputation at Georgia Southern University.
Playing safety, Rob became an important member of the university’s defensive unit. He reportedly started 48 games during his college career, demonstrating the consistency and durability required at the collegiate level.
His achievements eventually earned him recognition in the Georgia Southern Athletics Hall of Fame.
Following his playing career, Rob remained connected to football through coaching and community involvement.
He has served as a defensive coordinator at Rabun County High School, the same school where his son developed into one of Georgia’s most highly regarded quarterback prospects.
Outside football, Rob has worked with the Duvall Automotive Group, balancing professional responsibilities with his interest in athletics.
His experience as both a player and coach gave Gunner access to valuable football knowledge from an early age.
Mother Sherrie Stockton
Sherrie Stockton, Gunner’s mother, also has an athletic background, although her preferred sport was basketball rather than football.
She attended Erskine College in South Carolina, where she played basketball on a college scholarship.
Competing at that level required considerable commitment, including regular training, academic responsibilities, and demanding competition schedules.
After her college years, Sherrie pursued a career in education and has worked as a school counselor at Rabun County High School.
Her professional role reflects the family’s longstanding connection to local education.
While Rob brought extensive football experience into the household, Sherrie’s basketball background provided another perspective on teamwork, preparation, and competitive athletics.
Together, their sporting experiences helped shape the environment in which Gunner and his sister grew up.
Sister Georgia Stockton
Gunner is not the only athlete in the Stockton family.
His older sister, Georgia Stockton, followed their mother’s interest in basketball and played at Presbyterian College in South Carolina.
Her participation in college athletics continued a family tradition that began with their parents.
Growing up alongside an older sibling involved in competitive sports also meant Gunner was surrounded by people familiar with the challenges of training, competition, and balancing athletics with academics.
Although Gunner’s football career receives considerably more national coverage, Georgia’s basketball experience remains another important part of the family’s sporting background.
Why Is He Named Gunner?
One of the most interesting details about the Georgia quarterback concerns the history behind his first name.
Gunner Stockton was named after his great-grandfather, V.D. “Gunner” Stockton, a World War II veteran who served in a bomber squadron.
His great-grandfather later established a career in law and served as a district attorney in Georgia.
The name therefore carries a family connection extending back several generations.
Rather than being chosen simply because it sounds appropriate for a football player, Gunner’s name honors a relative remembered for military service and public responsibilities.
This family history adds a personal dimension to the quarterback’s identity beyond his achievements in sports.
Growing Up in Georgia
Gunner Stockton grew up in Tiger, Georgia, a small community in Rabun County near the North Carolina border.
He attended Rabun County High School, where he became an outstanding quarterback and one of the state’s most productive high school football players.
During his high school career, Stockton threw for 13,652 passing yards and 177 touchdowns, establishing himself among Georgia’s most accomplished prep quarterbacks.
He also demonstrated impressive rushing ability, making him a difficult player for opposing defenses to contain.
His performances attracted attention from major college football programs, but he ultimately chose to remain in his home state.
The decision allowed him to continue his football journey with the University of Georgia Bulldogs.
Georgia Bulldogs Career
Stockton joined Georgia in 2022, initially developing behind more experienced quarterbacks.
He received an important opportunity during the 2024 SEC Championship Game against Texas, entering after starting quarterback Carson Beck suffered an injury.
Stockton helped Georgia secure a dramatic overtime victory, giving fans an early look at his ability to handle high-pressure situations.
He subsequently became Georgia’s starting quarterback for the 2025 season, taking on greater responsibility within the Bulldogs’ offense.
By October 2026, Stockton had become an established name in college football, with his performances drawing attention to both his athletic development and his family’s football background.
His progress reflects years of preparation that began on the high school fields of northeast Georgia.
For Gunner Stockton, football has always been closely connected to family.
His father’s experience as a defensive player and coach, his mother’s background in college basketball, and his sister’s athletic career created a household familiar with competitive sports.
Rob and Sherrie Stockton have remained important figures in their son’s journey from Rabun County High School to the University of Georgia.
Although Gunner now competes on a much larger stage, his upbringing in Tiger continues to be a significant part of his story.
The Stockton family represents several generations of athletic achievement, educational involvement, and community ties, with Gunner carrying that legacy forward as a Georgia Bulldogs quarterback.
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