Carson Beck’s Strong Message to Georgia Teammates Before College Football Season

No college football quarterback in the country holds as much weight on his shoulders as Georgia's Carson Beck.

No. 1 recruiting class, preseason No. 1, two losses over the last three seasons – the Bulldogs are in "championship or bust" territory within the national landscape. That pressure lands on Heisman Trophy hopeful Beck as he enters his second season as a starter and final season in Athens.

A former four-star recruit in the class of 2020, Beck was passed over for the majority of his career before he was handed the keys to the offense following the departure of two-time national champion Stetson Bennett. A highly talented passer would have likely transferred in today's era.

But Beck stood his ground and waited his turn while learning some valuable lessons along the way. Potentially the most important lesson Beck has learned is preparation. The best quarterbacks in the sport are detailed in their approach in every area. That starts long before matchups on Saturdays.

Beck began fall camp a little differently this year by sharing a strong message to the young UGA quarterbacks who are experiencing the same challenges he once did, according to offensive coordinator Mike Bobo.

"He said, 'I want to say something to you guys: you need to take this camp like you're getting ready to play Clemson the first game. I didn't do that when I was young. I wasn't taking advantage of every opportunity to get ready to be the starter,'" Bobo said.

Kirby Smart and Georgia's staff have challenged Beck to be more of a vocal leader in 2024. That's not a natural gift for him. Beck is known more for his calm, cool demeanor on the gridiron. His efforts in the comeback wins over South Carolina and Auburn in 2023 proved that.

Beck went on to finish third in the country in passing yards while leading the Dawgs to a 13-1 record. Georgia was a 3-point SEC Championship Game loss away from contending for a third-straight national title.

Bobo went on to share how he was impressed with the way Beck stopped the quarterbacks meeting to make his voice heard by the next generation of UGA signal-callers, including sophomore Gunner Stockton and freshmen Jaden Rashada (redshirt), Ryan Puglisi and Colter Ginn.

Only time will tell if Beck can lead Georgia back to the College Football Playoff, but it certainly seems like he approaching the challenge with the right mindset.

UGA will take on Clemson (No. 14 in coaches poll) to open the season in Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Aug. 31. Kickoff is set for noon ET.

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