Georgia Bulldogs: Top 10 quarterbacks in team history
By John Buhler
Oct 3, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; General view of a decal for Southern University injured player Devon Gales on the helmet worn by Georgia Bulldogs punter Collin Barber (32) during the third quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
8. D.J. Shockley (2002-05)
Before Hutson Mason patiently waited for his opportunity to start for the Georgia Bulldogs, there was one man who set the precedent for what a one-year starter can do at the University of Georgia. That was D.J. Shockley.
Shockley was the first player to commit to Georgia after the hiring of then new head coach Mark Richt. He switched his commitment from Florida State where Richt was the offensive coordinator to Georgia after Richt’s promotion to a head coaching gig.
He spent most of his UGA career backing up David Greene Between the Hedges, but certainly made the most of his opportunity in 2005. In his final season playing for the Georgia Bulldogs, D.J. Shockley helped his team win the SEC Championship. At that time, it was a rarity for a one-year starter to win it all in Atlanta in the SEC.
In his senior season in 2005, Shockley completed 55.8% of his passes for 2,588 yards, 24 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. Shockley, a bit of a dual-threat passer as well, carried the rock 78 times in 2005 for 322 yards and four rushing touchdowns.
Shockley went on to serve as a backup quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons for five seasons (2006-10) after being drafted by the club in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft. His strong UGA legacy on winning the SEC in his only year as a starter is still held in very high regard by Dawg Nation. Shockley set the bar for what is possible for a one-year starting quarterback at the University of Georgia.
Next: 7. Buck Belue