Garcia -- Back July 1st?

[Williams-Brice]

Spurrier said at an event this week that Stephen Garcia is doing everything asked of him and that he may be allowed to come back on July 1st. Just for technicality sake, it would be July 2nd since that's when the new players report for Summer Session II.

Spurrier has a great record of taking care of the problematic players here. Moe Thompson and Demetris Summers never played a down under Spurrier. Kenrick Ellis would have been a starter down the line (maybe as early as halfway through this season), but he couldn't stop smoking pot, and he was dismissed. If Spurrier didn't have his track record of discipline here, then I may be a little concerned about this. However, he cleans house of the people who don't want to be here, so this will be fine. Garcia is now on his last leg regardless of when he comes back, so maybe allowing him back early for good behavior would be an okay thing.

What does everyone else think?

[DELTOR]

I heard this over on Rivals. If Garcia has done everything asked of him I don't see what the problem is. He's even done everything asked earlier than expected. If all of this holds true, welcome back, Stephen.

[Bongo]

I say welcome back and get to work. But you've used up about three years of "aw shoots" Here's to hoping he styays out of trouble. From what I've heard he's a good kid... just went wild off the leash

[geechee]

What kind of thread title is this? Don't do that, I thought you meant Jerry Garcia was coming back July 1st and I completely missed buying tickets.

:welcome:

[gatorunvrsty]

What kind of thread title is this? Don't do that, I thought you meant Jerry Garcia was coming back July 1st and I completely missed buying tickets.

:welcome:

Any more screw-ups, and Spurrier will make sure their fates are the same.:ph34r:

Sounds like the kid has done everything RP wouldn't at LSU; so I see no reason why he shouldn't be given another chance. But, I also agree with Bongo... he's got several more years of college, and no room for any more "Oops!". Hopefully, his turnaround will stick; and we won't have yet another story of wasted, unrealized, teenage talent. Potential may be the sorriest word in the English language.

[JerryBeeds]

Stephen's a good kid who made some poor decisions. He's got a 3.8 GPA. The keying of the car was inexcusably stupid IMO but the other things with booze don't really bother me all that much.

[ColonelKurtz]

Every one of our respective programs have had guys like Garcia, who from all accounts simply lost his mind for a little while. I'm familiar with this phenomena on a personal level and if he was a good guy before there's a good chance he'll still be a good guy afterwards. Spurrier has seen it all before and I defer to his better judgement.

[Cockfan720]

Some good posts above, I agree with yall.

[TrueGCFan]

If this does happen this will make next year a lot more exciting. But I agree one more stupid thing and I think this kid is gone from here forever.

[uscrules]

I say welcome back and I agree the with the previous poster, most of the things he did (except for the keying of the car) were just very poor decisions and and far as the law is concerned, not that big a deal. I am sure Spurrier has looked at his situation backwards and forwards and one more incident and he will be toast. Most of the things he did, there is no telling how many kids have done them, they just didn't get caught.

[SCRooster68]

WB are you referring to the Spurs interview at the Bucs training camp? If so...I saw him say that and was wondering if he meant to say August 1st.:confused:

I could be reading this wrong but it just seemed that way to me. He mentioned the first of August several weeks back and HE did say in that interview that maybe the BUCS and Niners could face each other in the SuperBowl.lol

[thethird]

If it were up to Coach Tuberville, he'd be suspended for half the season.

[Cockfan720]

If it were up to Coach Tuberville, he'd be suspended for half the season.

Not bashing Auburn here but...

If it were in Auburn, this incident probably wouldn't have been reported. Same with other small college towns (Clemson, Athens, Auburn, etc.) Because we're in Columbia (the capital of SC), the Columbia police and state media are all over our football players. It was in the state paper when one of our 3rd string DBs was ticketed for disrupting the peace. All Garcia did this past time was have a beer. I promise you that goes on at all of the universities. And Garcia was severly punished for the car keying incident, but that was a year and a half ago.

[thethird]

Not bashing Auburn here but...

If it were in Auburn, this incident probably wouldn't have been reported. Same with other small college towns (Clemson, Athens, Auburn, etc.) Because we're in Columbia (the capital of SC), the Columbia police and state media are all over our football players. It was in the state paper when one of our 3rd string DBs was ticketed for disrupting the peace. All Garcia did this past time was have a beer. I promise you that goes on at all of the universities. And Garcia was severly punished for the car keying incident, but that was a year and a half ago.

LB Tray Blackmon was suspended for half a season on a drinking charge.

[JerryBeeds]

If it were up to Coach Tuberville, he'd be suspended for half the season.

Nobody cares what Tubesteak would've done. That is all.

[Dr. Pepper]

Let the games begin and may the gods be happy.

[Williams-Brice]

WB are you referring to the Spurs interview at the Bucs training camp? If so...I saw him say that and was wondering if he meant to say August 1st.:confused:

I could be reading this wrong but it just seemed that way to me. He mentioned the first of August several weeks back and HE did say in that interview that maybe the BUCS and Niners could face each other in the SuperBowl.lol

He definitely meant July 1st. Garcia has already accomplished everything he needed to accomplish, according to what I'm hearing.

[SCRooster68]

He definitely meant July 1st. Garcia has already accomplished everything he needed to accomplish, according to what I'm hearing.


I hope he stays clean. I think he has the tools if he can just grow up now.

[larryt4111]

"IF" [a big "IF"] he stays straight on the path for awhile and sees that he has a chance to really compete then I think he'll be fine. BUT I'd like him ordered to keep away from 5 Points at all costs!
Thats a magnet for football player trouble, always has been and always will be!

[SCFan34]

WB are you referring to the Spurs interview at the Bucs training camp? If so...I saw him say that and was wondering if he meant to say August 1st.:confused:

I could be reading this wrong but it just seemed that way to me. He mentioned the first of August several weeks back and HE did say in that interview that maybe the BUCS and Niners could face each other in the SuperBowl.lol

Speaking of that interview...

I wish Spurrier would have not been so enthusiastic to get Earnest Graham back on the field. That will be some competition for Boyd... Just kidding in reality. I wish both backs the best and I still think that Boyd can make an excellet all-purpose back there given a chance. He has to get that knee straight quickly.

[cocky87]

bah ive been gone for to long i posted this on the main page like 13 seconds ago..

[GamecockDieHard]

I hope he stays in Florida until August 1st. It will be too risky to have him roaming around without structured practice for a whole month. Maybe if he ever actually gets to play football (in practice), he'll stay focused and out of trouble.

[cocky87]

I hope he stays in Florida until August 1st. It will be too risky to have him roaming around without structured practice for a whole month. Maybe if he ever actually gets to play football (in practice), he'll stay focused and out of trouble.

I will agree to this to a certain extent... BUT... If he can come back July 1st and knock some of the rust off he has that would be great. I have always been a fan of a Dual Threat QB. And with our at best "Shakey" OL (in the past) id say that is exactly what we need. If he can come back and stay out of trouble then :thumpsup: if not he really needs to sit down and think about what he is going to squander (<--- spell check? :laugh:)

[SCRooster68]

I said this in another thread...it does not sound like Hyman plans on him being back until Aug 15th at the earliest still.:thumbsdow

[Flameout12]

I said this in another thread...it does not sound like Hyman plans on him being back until Aug 15th at the earliest still.:thumbsdow
Yep...can't fault him...the AD made this date for a reason and it's probably best they stick to it for credibility purposes. Personally, I think Aug 1 is Ok...seems the Aug 15 didn't make any sense to begin with.

[SCRooster68]

Yep...can't fault him...the AD made this date for a reason and it's probably best they stick to it for credibility purposes. Personally, I think Aug 1 is Ok...seems the Aug 15 didn't make any sense to begin with.

I think the reason Hyman said Aug 15th was to try and get SG to quit. The 1st makes so much more sense to me.

[lacene]

[/B]
I think the reason Hyman said Aug 15th was to try and get SG to quit. The 1st makes so much more sense to me.

I'm not sure about that one...If Hyman wanted SG gone from the program, he could've just expelled him...after all, SG had already been given the "one more chance then he's gone" ultimatum before he got in his latest trouble....I don't think anyone would've questioned kicking Garcia off the team.

Unless Hyman was afraid of upsetting Spurrier by kicking Garcia...but then if he tried to get Garcia to quit, he could've possibly upset Spurrier anyways.....

[Williams-Brice]

August 15th technically represents the end of the Summer II semester and the beginning of the Fall semester. Students can start moving onto campus on Friday, August 15th. That's why Garcia was given that date. It represents the new school year. It had nothing to do with wanting him to quit.

[GTmorris1970]

I would have been fine with him returning July 1st, but Hyman doesn't sound interested. Either way, it has been said Spurrier is very confident in Beecher being able to run this team for the next two years if necessary. With Garcia having almost zero practice time with the team due to suspensions, his play would be very little this year anyway IMO. He is very talented, but until Spurrier feels confident with him running the offense, he isn't going to play him.

[USCocks3]

Ahhhhhh...I hate all this speculative bullshit. I wish either Hyman or SOS would just come out and say whether they're sticking to the Aug. 15 date or letting him come back earlier.

And I have no problem saying that I am one of the Garcia bandwagoners...I want him playing ASAP b/c, well, I don't have a lot of confidence in our current QB situation.

[GTmorris1970]

Well, I hope Garcia comes back as well, but, ah, it helps to know the offense to play QB in the SEC. I will go with a guy with 4 years in the system, and so will Spurrier. I have every bit of confidence in Beecher.

As for him coming back, Hyman said a couple of days ago he will not be coming back before August.

[USCocks3]

Well, I hope Garcia comes back as well, but, ah, it helps to know the offense to play QB in the SEC. I will go with a guy with 4 years in the system, and so will Spurrier. I have every bit of confidence in Beecher.

As for him coming back, Hyman said a couple of days ago he will not be coming back before August.

Really? I'm all for backing the team and players and all that sunshine-pumping stuff but can you really say with confidence that you have "every bit of confidence in Beecher" after he's been here as long as he has with no success (and he had chances last year) and then his Spring Game performance??

Don't get me wrong, he very well could prove myself and the critics wrong and I certainly hope he does but how can you really have that much confidence in someone who has shown absolutely nothing?!?

[GTmorris1970]

Mainly because I take time to watch them practice on the hot humid days when most wouldn't bother. He throws the nicest corner routes and sharpest throws across the middle of any QB on the team right now. He has been in this offense for four years. He knows it. He can run it. He is a 4.0 student. He works his butt off on the field instead of five points. I could go on and on. What angers me is all the trashing and lack of confidence in both Beecher and Smelley, while everyone wants to hang their hat on a kid who has yet to play a single down of college football. I hope he turns out to be great, but right now he is not. Right now he is nothing, and I can assure you Spurrier is not counting on him one bit for the '08 season, nor his Spurrier worried about Beecher and Smelley.

[USCocks3]

Mainly because I take time to watch them practice on the hot humid days when most wouldn't bother. He throws the nicest corner routes and sharpest throws across the middle of any QB on the team right now. He has been in this offense for four years. He knows it. He can run it. He is a 4.0 student. He works his butt off on the field instead of five points. I could go on and on. What angers me is all the trashing and lack of confidence in both Beecher and Smelley, while everyone wants to hang their hat on a kid who has yet to play a single down of college football. I hope he turns out to be great, but right now he is not. Right now he is nothing, and I can assure you Spurrier is not counting on him one bit for the '08 season, nor his Spurrier worried about Beecher and Smelley.

You sure about that?

[GTmorris1970]

If you believe Spurrier is a man of his word, yes. I have heard Spurrier called a lot of things, but have never heard anyone doubt him being a man of his word. Never. More than one person deep inside the Carolina program have said over and over Garcia will have minimal impact if any at all in '08, and that Spurrier's plan as of today is for Beecher to run the offense for the next 2 years. If our O line plays as well as many are thinking they will, Beecher could have a big year in '08. LB's cannot cover Cook due to his speed, so defenses will have to put a safety on him. That will not allow them to double McKinnley very often. Add Saunders to that mix who doesn't drop anything, this offense has the weapons to surprise a lot of folks this season.

[USCocks3]

If you believe Spurrier is a man of his word, yes. I have heard Spurrier called a lot of things, but have never heard anyone doubt him being a man of his word. Never. More than one person deep inside the Carolina program have said over and over Garcia will have minimal impact if any at all in '08, and that Spurrier's plan as of today is for Beecher to run the offense for the next 2 years. If our O line plays as well as many are thinking they will, Beecher could have a big year in '08. LB's cannot cover Cook due to his speed, so defenses will have to put a safety on him. That will not allow them to double McKinnley very often. Add Saunders to that mix who doesn't drop anything, this offense has the weapons to surprise a lot of folks this season.

I haven't been keeping up with the numerous pre-season articles like I should be so I haven't heard a lot of what SOS has said about the current QB situation. I like the way you explain things and it certainly sounds good the way you lay it out.

I still feel that QB is the question mark. Obviously the OL has to block or no QB will be effective but I just can't get behind one QB or the other with the Spring Game as the last memory in my mind. I envy your confidence in our current QB's but I just haven't seen the proof on the field.

Not saying I don't want Beecher or Smelley or both to be successful...I'm just very, very cautious after what I saw in the Spring Game. And I still have my doubts about Smelley's arm strength which is the reason why I don't think he's the answer. And Beecher, well...I just think we would have seen more out of him at this point in his career if he was all that you think he is.

Again, I hope I'm wrong...I really, really do. But I just don't see a lot of reason to be excited about our QB's right now.

[SCRooster68]

I do not think SG could make an impact before game 4 or 5 at the earliest and I don't think 08 is his year anyway, even if he does not have another relapse with trouble. I have my doubts about the Oline and the QB's also. After that I feel very good about every other position and our depth.

I hope Beecher can be the guy because I think he is the best athlete we have at QB (who is ready to play now). He has a strong arm and he can run well. I also like his ability to throw on the run. We have not had that since....Tannyhill?
I worry about him forcing throws though. He knows he can gun it and if he throws it late in the SEC that mean INT.

I like Smelley except for the arm. He has to have a good Oline or he is in trouble because he needs to be able to step into every throw or it just floats.

The thing about the posters on this board I like the most, is that no one is trying to sell Aramis as the savior who is going to walk in and beat everyone out. I have seen this on some Gamecock boards.lol


Thanks Willy Brice for clearing up the reason Hyman picked Aug 15th. I was trying to understand why he picked that day since March.

[GTmorris1970]

I haven't been keeping up with the numerous pre-season articles like I should be so I haven't heard a lot of what SOS has said about the current QB situation. I like the way you explain things and it certainly sounds good the way you lay it out.

I still feel that QB is the question mark. Obviously the OL has to block or no QB will be effective but I just can't get behind one QB or the other with the Spring Game as the last memory in my mind. I envy your confidence in our current QB's but I just haven't seen the proof on the field.

Not saying I don't want Beecher or Smelley or both to be successful...I'm just very, very cautious after what I saw in the Spring Game. And I still have my doubts about Smelley's arm strength which is the reason why I don't think he's the answer. And Beecher, well...I just think we would have seen more out of him at this point in his career if he was all that you think he is.

Again, I hope I'm wrong...I really, really do. But I just don't see a lot of reason to be excited about our QB's right now.

Just keep in mind during the spring game most of the defenses run were pass defenses with no blitz. Many times up to 7 guys in the secondary. That is why you saw so many interceptions. The good thing is the number of passes completed in those situations. Johnson said before the spring game the defenses they would use for the spring game would not be used in a real game. He made it clear the spring game is for entertainment only, and that the coaches take very little from it. In fact, they would just as soon there not be one at all. Please don't get down in the dumps over a spring game. They looked much better in practice, and Beecher throws that fade route in the end zone as good as Mitchell ever did. Now we just need one of the tall guys to step up and catch 'em!

[USCocks3]

Just keep in mind during the spring game most of the defenses run were pass defenses with no blitz. Many times up to 7 guys in the secondary. That is why you saw so many interceptions. The good thing is the number of passes completed in those situations. Johnson said before the spring game the defenses they would use for the spring game would not be used in a real game. He made it clear the spring game is for entertainment only, and that the coaches take very little from it. In fact, they would just as soon there not be one at all. Please don't get down in the dumps over a spring game. They looked much better in practice, and Beecher throws that fade route in the end zone as good as Mitchell ever did. Now we just need one of the tall guys to step up and catch 'em!

Well now you've provided a Catch 22...were there more interceptions b/c there were more guys in the secondary, or b/c the QBs played bad? What if we had pressured the QBs? Do you think the pressure would have helped them make better throws? If it's so easy to get picks with 7 DBs then why don't we just run defenses with 7 DBs all the time?

I see what you're getting at, but I'm just playing Devil's Advocate here...

[GTmorris1970]

Well now you've provided a Catch 22...were there more interceptions b/c there were more guys in the secondary, or b/c the QBs played bad? What if we had pressured the QBs? Do you think the pressure would have helped them make better throws? If it's so easy to get picks with 7 DBs then why don't we just run defenses with 7 DBs all the time?

I see what you're getting at, but I'm just playing Devil's Advocate here...

I think it's a combination. Of course there were more interceptions because of the number of DB's, but the QB's did not play great either, although they looked quite good at times. I thought Beecher was the better of the two, and it's really hard to pressure a QB with that many DB's. Spurrier made it clear before the game he was going to throw the ball. He wanted some excitement in this game compared to his last few, and he got it. A lot more points scored compared to past spring games. Keep in mind also both sides are very limited as to what they can run. The defense had I think 2 defenses they could run, and the offense ran everything out of 1 or two formations. It is very watered down the way it's done. Just gives fans a taste of football, that's all.

As for why you wouldn't play 7 DB's all the time, that is simple. The opponent would simply audible into a run play, and your screwed. :laugh:

[larryt4111]

MY TAKE ON THIS
IF you watched the spring game --- WE HAVE A PROBLEM --- A VERY BIG PROBLEM !
Both Smelley & Beecher look like they LOVE to throw to D Backs.
As much as the media tried to give credit to the D. Our QB situation SUCKED in the spring. It wasn’t good D in the Spring Game that caused all those interceptions [was it 7- or 8? Whatever] it was just plain old sloppy play by the QB's !
I hope they learn to take a sack or throw it away!

[lacene]

MY TAKE ON THIS
IF you watched the spring game --- WE HAVE A PROBLEM --- A VERY BIG PROBLEM !
Both Smelley & Beecher look like they LOVE to throw to D Backs.
As much as the media tried to give credit to the D. Our QB situation SUCKED in the spring. It wasn’t good D in the Spring Game that caused all those interceptions [was it 7- or 8? Whatever] it was just plain old sloppy play by the QB's !
I hope they learn to take a sack or throw it away!

I disagree very strongly with this, and agree with GT...

[GTmorris1970]

I'm not worried about ANYTHING based on the spring game. Period.

[cocky4ever]

MY TAKE ON THIS
IF you watched the spring game --- WE HAVE A PROBLEM --- A VERY BIG PROBLEM !
Both Smelley & Beecher look like they LOVE to throw to D Backs.
As much as the media tried to give credit to the D. Our QB situation SUCKED in the spring. It wasn’t good D in the Spring Game that caused all those interceptions [was it 7- or 8? Whatever] it was just plain old sloppy play by the QB's !
I hope they learn to take a sack or throw it away!

When was the last time we had a QB that looked good in the Spring Game?

[RW13]

When was the last time we had a QB that looked good in the Spring Game?

Corey Jenkins, Spring game 2002.....

[cocky4ever]

Corey Jenkins, Spring game 2002.....

Exactly....and he was a LB.

[larryt4111]

"Garcia -- Back July 1st?"

Well, it's July 2nd. Is Garcia back or not?

[MBGamecock]

"Garcia -- Back July 1st?"

Well, it's July 2nd. Is Garcia back or not?


He left southern Florida yesterday. Someone said they saw him on a frontage road off I-95 carrying a gas can back to his scooter. He should make it to Columbia by Aug. 15th.:D

[larryt4111]

He left southern Florida yesterday. Someone said they saw him on a frontage road off I-95 carrying a gas can back to his scooter. He should make it to Columbia by Aug. 15th.:D

Thats rich!

[Williams-Brice]

He's not back. Hyman is sticking to his guns and has kept the return date at August 15th. I commend him for doing that. It sends a message.

[uscrules]

I think you guys are wrong to assume just because Garcia has not played a down in a real game that he does not know the offense. You can bet your but that during the year and a half that he has been in the program he very well knows the offense. I am a Garcia fan and I think he will have an equal shot at QB this season and whether its the first game or the 4th game he WILL have an impact on the season. Spurrier will play the QB that gives us the best chance to win. I think that person is Garcia. If not, then I respect Spurriers choice and will support it 100%.

[MBGamecock]

I think you guys are wrong to assume just because Garcia has not played a down in a real game that he does not know the offense. You can bet your but that during the year and a half that he has been in the program he very well knows the offense. I am a Garcia fan and I think he will have an equal shot at QB this season and whether its the first game or the 4th game he WILL have an impact on the season. Spurrier will play the QB that gives us the best chance to win. I think that person is Garcia. If not, then I respect Spurriers choice and will support it 100%.

I feel the same way. He practiced all last year and I bet he's been studying the playbook even though he is suspended. I believe he will have an impact this season too.

[SCRooster68]

He might know the offense ok but he has not had the reps. He has had no live action experience to speak of. He needs to develop chemistry with his Oline, receivers and backs. He has a lot of work to do to be ready to lead us against SEC competition.IMHO

[Kelly333baseball]

He might know the offense ok but he has not had the reps. He has had no live action experience to speak of. He needs to develop chemistry with his Oline, receivers and backs. He has a lot of work to do to be ready to lead us against SEC competition.IMHO

Based on his background, he's a special ballplayer and I believe Spur knows something. He'll be ready and will produce! I think sitting out for a period of time is making him WANT to play and play well....he has the offense memorized. Garcia will be our go to guy come fall!!!

[GTmorris1970]

I have heard his coach/tutor for the summer is a former Spurrier player. Don't know who it is.

[Williams-Brice]

Garcia will be our go to guy come fall!!

Could be a long season if that's the case.

[WayzUp]

I do hope Garcia gets his head on straight and eventually contributes and lives up to his potential but I'm at the point with him as I am with many a USC player....I need to see it on the field.

Besides, it's a pretty well accepted fact that no matter who South Carolina's QB is in '08, their success is solely dependent on how our offensive line performs.

[JerryBeeds]

He led the scout team all last season. If he doesn't have at least a basic understanding of the offense then he's a moron. (Which I don't think he is).

[lacene]

The word is that Garcia will be practicing with the team at the start of fall practice this weekend.....

[SCRooster68]

The word is that Garcia will be practicing with the team at the start of fall practice this weekend.....


I am seeing the same reports from insiders. That is good news, the kid needs to get on the practice field and get some work.

[MBGamecock]

I feel all tingly inside.

[GAMECOCK_FAN]

I feel all tingly inside.
Good whiskey does that to you. :D