SEC Spring Football 2015: Top 5 Position Battles
Oct 18, 2014; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Connor Mitch (6) scrambles for yardage as Furman Paladins linebacker Cory Magwood (46) pursues in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
South Carolina Gamecocks: Quarterback
This is intriguing for a few reasons. The first is that despite my thoughts on senior Dylan Thompson not looking impressive last season, he did break South Carolina’s single-season passing yards record with 3,574 yards and 26 touchdowns.
The second reason is the Head Ball Coach seems to have lost his edge when it comes to leading an elite team. I love a good Steve Spurrier press conference, but I do not love seeing his teams looking confused and embarrassed every other week.
The third reason is that between the two quarterbacks that look to compete for the starting job, they have combined for a total of eight passes on the NCAA level. To add to that stat, their combined completions are 2-8 for 13 yards. Spurrier needs either Connor Mitch or Perry Orth to step up and be a dynamic playmaker under center this season.
Mitch, a sophomore has the ideal frame you want in a starting quarterback at 6-foot-3, 211-pounds. He will need to put in all the reps through spring as he can though, due to the lack of experience.
Standing in his way will be the junior Orth. Orth was a walk-on sophomore and threw two passes – both incomplete – last season. You would think Connor Mitch has this job sealed as spring practice approaches for South Carolina March 17th, but due to the lack of experience from both quarterbacks Orth has a shot to cash his ticket in at starter.
There is chatter that freshman Michael Scarnecchia may compete with the other two quarterbacks, but he will need to shine very bright before Spurrier seriously considers the young gunslinger. I will be keeping my eyes on this situation through the spring.
My prediction: Connor Mitch manages to not screw up his shot at the starting job.
Next: Who is the No. 1 receiver for Georgia?