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Five things we learned this spring
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Steve Spurrier is not going to let Stephen Garcia coast
Garcia said all the right things at the start of spring about taking the next step in his development and becoming one of the elite quarterbacks in the SEC. But you have to wonder if that was lip service based on the way Spurrier harped all spring about how Garcia needs to be more committed. Spurrier didnt have a quarterback to push Garcia last year. The way Connor Shaw played in 15 practices, he does now.
Inside-zone runs look promising
The Gamecocks ran some zone-read plays at the end of last season, and new offensive line coach/run game coordinator Shawn Elliott brought a similar package from Appalachian State. Spurrier likes the package because it gives backs a chance to bounce outside and the blocking scheme is easy to understand. It also helps that incoming tailback Marcus Lattimore was featured in a similar scheme at Byrnes.
The secondary could be the strength of a strong defense
Despite losing strong safety Darian Stewart, the secondary could be the better than the group that finished second in the SEC in pass defense in 2009. DeVonte Holloman, who replaces Stewart, is a ball-hawk who had one of only three interceptions last season by defensive backs. D.J. Swearinger pushed Akeem Auguste at free safety, while corner C.C. Whitlock played well in place of the injured Chris Culliver, who will move from safety in the fall.
Needed: another pass-rusher
While defensive end Cliff Matthews rested his surgically repaired shoulder, USC searched in vain for someone else who could generate pressure in 1-on-1 situations. Devin Taylor, a 6-foot-8 end, showed flashes, but lacked consistency. Matthews and Eric Norwood both finished with seven sacks last season in part because offenses had to account for both of them. Unless another pass-rusher emerges, Matthews will see a lot of double teams.
Offensive line holds the key
While Garcia must dedicate himself or risk watching Shaw take snaps from him, USC will contend in the SEC East only if the front five does a better job of protecting the quarterback and moving the line of scrimmage on running plays. Elliott will be working mainly with the same players who allowed 37 sacks in 09, tied with LSU for the most in the SEC. Rokevius Watkins, who was expected to compete for a starting spot at guard, missed most of the spring with a neck/shoulder stinger.
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