Ryan Montgomery continues to shine in bid to move up Georgia’s QB depth chart

“His decision-making’s been good,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart said. “Ryan’s a very accurate passer. He understands the ins and outs of the offense, the check to where to go with the ball. He’s done a nice job of being accurate and making good decisions.”

Montgomery has played well in both scrimmages. Glory Glory shared a highlight of Montgomery uncorking a touchdown pass to freshman Craig Dandridge.

Montgomery brings something different to the table compared to the two more established QBs ahead of him on the depth chart. Gunner Stockton is much more mobile and has a wealth of experience, thanks to starting every game last season.

Stockton has been slowed this spring as he recovers from an offseason knee injury. He was more involved in Georgia’s second scrimmage, but his limitations have created more opportunities for Montgomery and Georgia’s other quarterbacks.

As for Ryan Puglisi, he has spent more time in Georgia’s system than Montgomery. It’s a big reason Puglisi was Stockton’s top backup last season. He completed 16 of his 27 attempts for 161 yards.

Montgomery only played in Georgia’s home finale against Charlotte, where he completed his lone pass attempt for 12 yards.

Puglisi has a more naturally talented arm, as he’s capable of making every throw a quarterback would want. The issue is that sometimes Puglisi’s arm talent leads him to make throws he shouldn’t.

That confidence has worked against Puglisi this spring, as he’s thrown a few more interceptions in practices and scrimmages than Montgomery.

A common player comparison for Montgomery is Jake Fromm, a three-year starter for the Bulldogs early in Smart’s time in Athens. While he might not have been the most gifted passer to play for Smart, Fromm ran the team at a high level.

Montgomery did not make the same instant impact Fromm did. Fromm was the clear starter heading into his second season, even as some pushed for Justin Fields.

Heading into Georgia’s spring game Saturday, Montgomery has a chance to make a major statement about the quarterback room. If he is able to follow up on what he’s done in Georgia’s first two scrimmages, perhaps he’d be well suited to be Stockton’s top backup.

Puglisi won’t let Montgomery simply take the job, even if the redshirt sophomore has ceded ground this spring. That was likely to happen given Montgomery’s recovery from injury, but it’s undeniable that he has impressed in his first fully healthy spring in the Georgia offense.