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Spurrier Jr. enjoys year guiding offense

Buccaneers coach Gruden and USC president drop by for practice

Written by JOSEPH PERSON

jperson@thestate.com
Posted on 12.31.08
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TAMPA, Fla. — Steve Spurrier Jr.’s first year as South Carolina’s offensive play-caller mirrored the Gamecocks’ season overall.

“It was an interesting year,” Spurrier Jr. said Tuesday following the team’s next-to-last Outback Bowl practice. “There was some highs and lows.”

The Gamecocks had a season-high 405 yards at Mississippi and were 3-0 in games in which they scored at least 30 points. But running game struggles and a spate of interceptions — USC’s 24 picks are more than any team in the country besides SMU — left the Gamecocks with lower offensive numbers in every major category compared to last year.

Still, the 37-year-old Spurrier Jr. liked calling the shots, which he did nearly every play by the end of the regular season.

“I definitely enjoyed it. It was a different perspective,” he said. “It went well. (Spurrier Sr.) still stayed strong with his input on what we’re doing and putting it all together.”

Spurrier Jr., who coaches receivers, said the Gamecocks did not use many of the trick plays they practiced this season. But like his father, he figures a nationally televised bowl game is a good time to try a couple.

“We’ll see what the situation allows, but we’ll always have some ready,” he said.

Dropping in. Two days after his team missed the playoffs following its fourth consecutive loss, Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden stopped by Jefferson High with his three sons to check out USC’s practice and talk with a man he has long respected.

Gruden, who spoke at USC’s coaches clinic in March, said he admires Spurrier’s offensive approach.

“He’s always on the cutting edge,” Gruden said. “He’s just gotten it done wherever he’s been, whether it be the USFL, University of Duke, Florida Gators. ... He’s just a charismatic character who loves the game. He’s an icon as far as I’m concerned, and I like being around him.”

Gruden, who also planned to visit an Iowa practice, said he wears visors as a tribute to Spurrier and would like one of his sons, the oldest of whom is a high school freshman, to play for him. When someone mentioned the 63-year-old Spurrier might not be coaching that long, Gruden smiled and said, “He’ll be around.”

Presidential visit. Gruden was not the only practice visitor. USC president Harris Pastides, wearing a pair of khakis covered with Gamecock logos, addressed the team briefly about the importance of teamwork. “I’m not a coach,” he said. “I figured if I started being more specific, the coaches would give me a timeout.”

Pastides said he plans to meet with athletics director Eric Hyman early next year about a contract extension. Hyman has two years remaining on his original, five-year deal.

“He and I have great communication,” Pastides said. “I like the team approach. I like the way he looks at compliance, the way he looks at the business side of the program, and it’s a big program.”

Extra points. Spurrier said no players have missed curfew this week, although special teams coach Ray Rychleski was late for a meeting. Rychleski, who is single, had to run the next day, much to the delight of coaches and players. ... Guard Lemuel Jeanpierre, who started five games before injuring his knee against Tennessee, could see action off the bench. ... The Doctor’s Walk-in Clinic a couple miles from Jefferson has this message on its marquee: “Good luck Stephen Garcia.”

Reach Person at (803) 771-8496.

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