South Carolina kicked off spring practice last Tuesday coming off arguably its best season in program history.
Let’s take a look at some of the key storylines for the Gamecocks this spring.
South Carolina (9-5, 5-3 SEC)
Stephen Garcia remains a question mark
ICONWill Stephen Garcia be the starter under center for the Gamecocks next fall?
Just when you thought quarterback Stephen Garcia finally proved that he was the answer under center for the Gamecocks, head coach Steve Spurrier once again will employ a not-so-fast approach with his enigmatic signal-caller. The fifth-year senior was suspended for the first week of spring drills because of an incident after curfew the week of the Chick-fil-A Bowl — the third time Garcia has been suspended for spring practice during his career in Columbia. Making yet another mistake after his earlier transgressions clearly does not send the right message about being a team leader.
Thus, the Head Ball Coach is intent on finding out if sophomore Connor Shaw is better suited to deliver another division crown to the Gamecocks even though Garcia is eligible to return to the team on Tuesday.
So far, Shaw has had an uneven camp. The 6-1, 202-pounder only saw action in mop-up duty last season, with the exception of entering the tight contest against Auburn. He threw two interceptions against the Tigers after he replaced Garcia and didn’t look comfortable. But what better way to get experience than facing a national champion?
Garcia had a career year in 2010, throwing for 3,059 yards and 20 touchdowns. But he also threw a conference-high 14 interceptions. He still continued to make poor decisions and took too many sacks. Clearly, Spurrier would love for Shaw to have an outstanding offseason. And if he doesn’t, redshirt freshman Dylan Thompson may even get a hard look. You never know. After all, Spurrier is never satisfied with his quarterback play.
No matter who is under center, wide receiver Alshon Jeffery and running back Marcus Lattimore are two of the premiere skill-position players in the SEC. If the Gamecocks just get steady play from their quarterback, moving the ball and scoring points won’t be an issue. Lattimore, the national freshman of the year, rushed for 1,197 yards and scored 19 touchdowns last season, and he will be an even bigger focal point of the offense after adding 16 pounds to his frame. Jeffery, meanwhile, has a combination of size, speed and great hands that may be unmatched in college football.
Praising the offensive line
ICONMarcus Lattimore ran behind a much-improved offensive line in 2010.
The Gamecocks ran the ball much better last season with Lattimore as the workhorse back. However, the line was much tougher and more consistent than in years past, as well. Line coach Shawn Elliott deserves a lot of the credit for the team being able to pound the rock, especially in big wins over rivals Florida and Georgia. The staff is excited about redshirt freshman A.J. Cann, who will be looked to fill one of the open guard spots. Senior Rokevious Watkins will try to move from guard and assume the role of starting right tackle opposite senior Kyle Nunn on the left side. Junior T.J. Johnson remains at center while senior Terrence Campbell is the odds-on favorite for the other guard spot.
How good can the defense be?
All eyes next season, of course, will be on the prize of the Class of 2011, Jadeveon Clowney. But Ellis Johnson’s unit has plenty of other quality defenders, as well — especially on the stellar defensive line. Defensive end Devin Taylor made first-team All-SEC last season, and it’s scary to think that Clowney could be joining him on the opposite end. Melvin Ingram led the team in sacks with nine, and the team as a whole led the SEC in sacks with 41 last season. But developing depth on the inside is a priority for Johnson and the defensive staff, as Ingram often moved inside on passing downs. The Gamecocks finished third in the SEC in rushing defense mostly because of their continued improvement throughout the fall. Senior Travian Robertson could be joined by freshman Kelcy Quarles on the inside after Quarles spent 2010 at Fork Union (Va.) Military Academy. Junior tackle Byron Jerideau also could be in the mix inside.
Expectations have certainly been raised for Spurrier and the Gamecocks after claiming a division crown last year and bringing in another solid recruiting class headlined by Clowney. While it can be argued that the East division was down in 2010, it can also be said that the Gamecocks let some games slip away, as well. The bottom line is that the talent is there to become an annual prime contender. Will the upward trend continue in 2011?
Note: South Carolina will play its annual spring game on April 9.
Email dave.miller@nationalfootballpost.com or follow me on Twitter at Miller_Dave