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All eyes on Gamecocks' No. 5

The fans have clamored, and Garcia is ready for his first major game action

Stephen Garcia lead vert portrait Flashnick

Stephen Garcia

BrettFlashnick.com/Special to The State

Written by JOSEPH PERSON

jperson@thestate.com
Posted on 09.25.08
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The backup quarterback is the most popular person on most college campuses.

At South Carolina, the spotlight on the No. 2 quarterback has been almost blinding.

Until this week, all the talk, stories and hype about Stephen Garcia have focused on his potential on the field and his troubles off of it. But this week Gamecock fans will get a glimpse of what many have been clamoring for — their first long look at Garcia in a game.

USC coach Steve Spurrier announced this evening that Chris Smelley will start Saturday against Alabama-Birmingham. Spurrier said the Garcia would play a lot against the Blazers and as soon as the first quarter.

The redshirt freshman, who was in for three snaps and attempted one pass against Georgia, is ready.

“Either start or come off the bench, I just want to play,” Garcia said Wednesday while surrounded by more than a dozen reporters and cameras.

Garcia, who has been splitting the practice reps with Smelley, said he has had one of his best weeks in terms of understanding the offense. After missing two spring practices and last summer’s voluntary workouts while suspended, Garcia has had to cram to get a handle on the playbook since rejoining the team Aug. 1.

“He’s getting a little more knowledgeable of everything. He just hasn’t been here a whole lot,” Spurrier said. “But he’s getting ready to play and we’re definitely going to play him.”

Garcia admitted there were times he wondered if this moment would come. After being cited for underage drinking in March — his third run-in with the law in a 15-month span — Garcia was kicked out of campus housing and suspended from summer school.

USC’s administration agreed to lift Garcia’s suspension two weeks early, allowing him to return for the start of preseason practice. He was No. 3 on the depth chart coming out of camp, but moved up a spot when opening-game starter Tommy Beecher injured his shoulder against N.C. State.

Though he was used sparingly against Georgia, Garcia received a loud ovation each time he ran on to the field at Williams-Brice Stadium.

“It’s probably never going to get old. I’m glad they still like me after everything that I’ve been through,” Garcia said of the fan reaction. “It’s still exciting.”

USC center Garrett Anderson said any quarterback who plays for Spurrier draws attention. With Garcia, it is even more so.

“The stuff that’s happened to him so far, I think that gives more pressure because everyone waits for you to mess up. That makes the press more fun. I think he knows that,” Anderson said. “I think he knows that everything he does, he’s got to make sure he doesn’t do anything wrong because people are watching him.”

While Garcia has a strong arm and quick feet, Spurrier said he’s not sure what Garcia will do in a game until he puts him in for a longer stretch than he played against Georgia.

Anderson said from what he’s heard — or not heard — in practice, Garcia has had a good week.

“He’s always behind me. I guess he’s doing pretty good, though, because I haven’t really heard them yell a whole lot at all,” Anderson said. “I think he’s working hard, just trying to get his plays right. That’s all he’s focusing on.”

That the focus has shifted to football must be a relief for Garcia.

“I’m just trying to do the best I can for the team,” he said. “I’m just going to try to go out there and play like I’ve been practicing. We’ll see what happens.”

Reach Person at (803) 771-8496.

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