Can Somebody Save Us?

By Johnathan Marchant

With head coach Steve Spurrier entering his fifth year as University of South Carolina head football coach, many fans are starting to wonder whether or not he is capable of saving the program.

With almost every one of Carolina’s key players hoping to play for a paycheck one day, younger players must step up for the Gamecocks to succeed.

South Carolina’s recruiting class is ranked twelfth in the nation according to Scout.com, which means that USC should have the talent to compete – even in the SEC.

But Carolina is returning just five starters on offense and six on defense, and Spurrier has hired six new assistant coaches.

That’s a lot of turnover, but Gamecock fans are hoping that the changes will help lift the program’s fortunes.

During the 2008 Season, USC’s quarterbacks completed 54% of their passes and threw a combined 27 interceptions – tops in the nation.

The running game was not too much better, with the Gamecocks’ running backs amassing just 975 yards – the seventh-worst mark in the country.

As the 2009 season approaches the Gamecocks will need to figure out a way to establish a consistent rushing and passing game, and find some leadership on offense.

TWO TO WATCH:

QB #14 Reid McCollum

Height- 6′3″
Weight- 218

Everyone knows that come August 28th Stephen Garcia will be the starting quarterback for the Gamecocks, but every QB needs a good backup. Look for this 6’3” redshirt freshman from Summerville to fill that role.

He’s already made some noise on the practice field with his phenomenal passing skills – which we all know Spurrier loves.

As a senior at Summerville, McCollum led the Green Wave to a 4-A State Championship throwing for 3,644 yards and 44 touchdowns – which included a career-high 518 yards and 9 touchdowns in one game.

Still not convinced? McCollum was ranked the 28th best pro-style (dropback) QB in the country by Scout.com.

This is a player that should look to get some playing time during the season, and don’t be surprised if he gets a start or two.

Take it from Coach Spurrier:

“Every quarterback I’ve coached, except for Shane Matthews, has been benched at one time or another and every quarterback I’ve coached has had another chance to come back, I’ve just learned over the years that going to the bench a little bit and coming back makes you a better player.”

WR #4 Jason Barnes

Height – 6′ 4″
Weight – 199

This sophomore wide receiver out of Charlotte, NC played a key role in the Gamecock offense last year.

With breakout games and big catches throughout the season (and the graduation of record-breaking receiver Kenney McKinley), 2009 should be Jason Barnes’ time to shine as he looks to become a leader on this young offensive squad.

As a freshman, Barnes was third on the team in receiving, and though he only had 346 yards last year expect him to up that total as he becomes the go-to downfield threat as well as South Carolina’s “new number four.”

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