Quarterback Matthew Stafford, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, has joined the Los Angeles Rams after 12 seasons with the Detroit Lions to win the 2021 Super Bowl. Before hearing his name called first in the NFL draft, Stafford played in the SEC and played three seasons at Georgia State.
Here’s everything you need to know about Stafford’s college career.
Vitals on Matthew Stafford
School: Georgia
Position: Midfielder
Height: 6-3
Weight: 210 pounds
Active years: 2006-08
Here are Matthew Stafford’s college career stats. Scroll right to see full stats.
| Year | Games | Performance | attempt | Comp. % | Yard | Y/A | TD | INT | Evaluation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 13 | 135 | 256 | 52.7 | 1749 | 6.8 | 7 | 13 | 109.0 |
| 2007 | 13 | 194 | 348 | 55.7 | 2523 | 7.3 | 19 | 10 | 128.9 |
| 2008 | 13 | 235 | 383 | 61.4 | 3,459 | 9.0 | 25 | 10 | 153.5 |
| Career | 39 | 564 | 987 | 57.1 | 7,731 | 7.8 | 51 | 33 | 133.3 |
Where did Matthew Stafford go to college?
Stafford attended Georgia State University and picked up scholarship offers from Florida State, Michigan, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma State and Texas, according to 247Sports.
What was Matthew Stafford’s high school outlook?
Stafford was one of the best high school football players in the country while playing for Highland Park in Dallas. He was ranked as the No. 6 player and No. 1 quarterback in the 2006 recruiting class by the 247Sports Composite.
How did Matthew Stafford do in college?
In Stafford’s three seasons at Georgia, the Bulldogs went 30-9, winning the 2006 Chick-fil-A Bowl, the 2008 Sugar Bowl and the 2009 Capital One Bowl. Georgia went 11-2 in 2007, Stafford’s best season there.
Georgia finished 4-4 in the SEC East in 2006, 6-2 in 2007 and 6-2 in 2008.
Matthew Stafford’s statistical achievements
Here are some of Stafford’s statistical accomplishments.
- T-1 in Georgia history in passing game: Five touchdowns (vs. George Tech, 2008)
- 2nd in Georgia history in rushing yards in a season: 3,499 yards (2008)
- 3rd in Georgia history in rushing yards in a season: 3,459 yards (2008)
- 4th in Georgia history in average yards per attempt in a season: 9.03 yards/attempt (2008)
- 5th career graduation in Georgia history: 564 graduations
- 5th place in Georgia history with 7,731 meters
- 5th in Georgia history in career completion percentage: 57.14%
- Georgia history with 25 touchdowns in a season (2008)
- 5th in Georgia history in career passing yards: 51 touchdowns
- 6th in Georgia history in a single season: 235 (2008)
- 10th in Georgia history in single-season completion percentage: 61.36% (2008)
- T-13th most rushing yards in Georgia history: 407 yards (vs. Georgia Tech, 2008)
CHAMPS: Complete FBS National Championship history
What were Matthew Stafford’s best college games?
Here are some of Stafford’s best collegiate performances:
Georgia 35, Oklahoma State 14 | September 1, 2007
After a freshman season with 13 interceptions compared to 10 total touchdowns, Stafford opened his sophomore campaign with a 18-of-24 completion for 234 yards and two touchdowns. In his 14th career game, he had multiple touchdowns for the first time, but didn’t throw an interception. After Georgia took a 21-14 lead into halftime, the Bulldogs’ defense shut down the Cowboys in the second half, scoring several touchdowns in the second half, each of which ended with a touchdown pass.
Georgia 42, Florida 30 | October 27, 2007
Against eventual Top 25 national champion Florida, Stafford hit three touchdowns in a game for the first time in his college career. Stafford completed just over 60 percent for 217 yards while attempting just 18 passes. Stafford had 84 yards to Mohamed Massaquois and 53 yards to Mikey Henderson.
Georgia 27, Arizona State 10 | September 20, 2008
During Stafford’s junior season, the Bulldogs went 4-0 with wins over South Carolina and Arizona State. Georgia later scored 21 points in the second quarter, while Stafford went 16-of-28 passing for a then-career-high 285 yards. His only touchdown pass was a 14-yarder to AJ Green just before halftime.
Georgia Tech 45, Georgia 42 | November 29, 2008
In a home loss to rival Georgia Tech, Stafford had a successful day in the throwing game, completing 24 of 39 passes for 407 yards (more than his previous career high of 376) and five interceptions (he had never thrown more than three in a game). In the second quarter, Stafford threw three touchdown passes to Mohamed Massaquoi – 10, 49 and 3 yards.
Stafford’s touchdown pass went to AJ Green with 4:04 left to give Georgia Tech a 45-42 lead, but Georgia couldn’t complete the comeback.
What awards did Matthew Stafford win in college?
- 2009 Capital One Bowl MVP
- 2008 Pro Football Weekly All-American
- 2008 Second Team All-SEC
- Winner of the 2008 Vince Dooley MVP Award
- 2006 Chick-Fil-A Bowl MVP
- 2006 All-SEC Freshman Team
- Two-time SEC Freshman of the Week
What are people saying about Matthew Stafford?
Georgia coach Mark RichtStafford was the team’s No. 3 quarterback in late August of his freshman year. Constitution of Atlanta): “He understands that this is not a sprint. This guy has been moving forward his whole career. He knows that this is the beginning of the season. We don’t know what the future holds. All he has to do is repeat and prepare every day and get better. He will be.”
Georgia running back Danny WareAfter Stafford’s first career touchdown ( Constitution of Atlanta): “It was magic. That was a magical moment. He gets out there and makes them.”
Former George coach Vince DooleyThrough the first three games of Stafford’s career ( Constitution of Atlanta): “Only Mike Kavanagh has this guy’s personality as far as I can remember. And Mike was a sophomore, because we didn’t play freshmen back then. The South Carolina game and the way he was in this game, it’s like he’s at home. It’s like he’s been there a long time. That’s amazing to me.”
Georgia wide receiver Demico GoodmanAfter a 60-yard miss against UAB ( Constitution of Atlanta): “Stafford got his hands on it, and I was doing my best to get it.”
All-Georgia wide receiver AJ BryantOn expectations placed on Stafford (from Constitution of Atlanta): “It’s not fair, but that’s the way it is. It means the world to you. He’s not playing bad, but they expect him to do all these things. That’s the way it is. But he’s going to live up to them.”
Georgia running back Thomas Brown (from Constitution of Atlanta): “His ability to be so calm and composed is amazing. He’s a freshman right out of high school and nothing fazes him. When your quarterback comes in, he calms you down and keeps you calm. It allows you to go out there and have more fun.”
Georgia linebacker Mike BoboOn Stafford’s third career win over UAB ( Constitution of Atlanta): “He felt comfortable. The main thing is that he’s been practicing all week with the No. 1 offense. There’s not a play or scenario he hasn’t practiced. Overall, he’s controlled the game well and handled the football well. There’s going to be pressure on the quarterback, it’s either to throw him or get him out of the pocket. He missed the blitz.”
Father John of Staffordson’s first career start against UAB ( Constitution of Atlanta): “It was amazing. I could see him and give him a 5. We couldn’t talk to each other. But we saw each other. It was great to be a part of it. It’s the first time I’ve been back since 1972. It’s changed quite a bit.”
BoboAfter the first game of the sophomore season ( Constitution of Atlanta): “I’m very comfortable. He’s a very sharp kid, a very knowledgeable kid. He’s not a kid that needs a lot of reps or you have to get him on the board to get him. You can really verbalize to him, he understands what you’re talking about, which is good, especially during the game when you’re making adjustments. Some guys, they need to see it on the field. Take that play away before they get it.”
RichtDuring Stafford’s sophomore season, before his junior year ( Everyday things): “There was some conditioning (last year) that needed to be done, and one of them dropped back, hit the ball three times, didn’t throw to whoever was open. We’re mature enough now, and I think we’ll be more productive this year as the numbers go up. There’s no doubt he’s a really talented guy.”
All-Georgia wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoiabove Stafford entering his junior season ( Everyday things): “There’s really no wow factor. It’s expected now. It’s not out of the norm when you do that stuff.”
ESPN analyst Jesse Palmer on Georgia and Staffordis entering its junior season ( Everyday things): “I think one of the reasons a lot of people think they’re the best team in the country right now is Matthew Stafford. He’s going to have a great year this year.”
Georgia State Recruiting Coordinator Rodney GarnerGeorgia wide receiver AJ Green is recruiting ( Constitution of Atlanta): “Getting a guy with that talent anywhere is a coup. He’s an impact guy who can change the game. Guys like that don’t come around often. Those guys are program makers — Knowshon Moreno, AJ Green, Matthew Stafford. You can get guys like that anywhere, anytime, that’s the main thing.”
RichtHow Stafford’s Georgia commitment helped the Bulldogs land commitments from other talented players Constitution of Atlanta): “Well, with Matthew Stafford, who is considered the best, or at least one of the top two or three players, if you commit one of the quarterbacks to you early, it tends to attract other good players.”
RichtAfter Georgia lost its season finale at home to Georgia Tech ( Constitution of Atlanta): “Matthew is a great footballer. He played well.”
BoboAfter Georgia won the 2009 Capital One Bowl ( Constitution of Atlanta): “I think he came out trying to be too perfect. He just had to stay calm and just try to get the first downs. That’s what we did in the second half. I’m really proud of how we played in the second half.”
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