PLAYA VISTA, CA — With the success of leading his Georgia Bulldogs team to a National Championship in 2023 and being named offensive MVP of the game, Stetson Bennett was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the same year. However, the larger-than-life quarterback of the college football world had to adjust to the NFL life, which wasn’t the smoothest transition. Throughout his issues, Rams head coach Sean McVay and the coaching staff never gave up on Bennett throughout the process. Bennett continued to make noise on the field and take advantage of his opportunity in the quarterback’s room.
The 2025 Training Camp has proven thus far never to give up too soon and to always persevere through adversity no matter what. It also helps that the organization that drafted him stood firmly behind him. McVay, being the teacher, motivator, and coach behind him, was a huge advantage. Accountability and empathy appeared to be the two main principles in getting Bennett back to the job he fell in love with on the field. Bennett continues to be a student of the game, learning from Super Bowl quarterback Matthew Stafford and backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo daily.
Rams head coach Sean McVay has been impressed with the progress of Bennett, particularly highlighting his improved command of the huddle and positive presence within the team. McVay also credited veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford and quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone for their roles in mentoring Bennett.
“I think the biggest thing is, number one, I’m seeing a lot of smiles out here. I think guys are at their best when they’re immersed in the moment, they’re enjoying it,” McVay told Nick Hamilton of Nitecast Media. “This is still a game that, when people are at their best, they love everything that it accompanies. And that’s whether it’s the pursuit of mastery, the challenges, overcoming adversity, but I just feel like he’s a guy that’s totally present.“
Beyond the positive attitude, McVay noted Bennett’s growth in a crucial area for a quarterback to take command of the huddle.
“I think the other thing that you don’t take for granted is the command of the huddle. How clean can you look at the other 10 guys, communicate clearly, formations, snap count, any adjustment that’s necessary, the concept. And we have some wordy calls, and sometimes we’ll call two plays in the huddle. He’s done a really excellent job.“
McVay credited Dave Ragone and Matthew Stafford, also a former Georgia Bulldog, for taking time with Bennett throughout the past couple of years.
“Matthew Stafford for the way that he’s mentored him. I think Dave Ragone deserves a ton of credit, too. Those guys, I’ve just been so impressed with the way that they poured into him, and it’s fun to see where Stetson’s at. He’s done a great job, and it was a really cool connection that he made with a bunch of guys.“
