Garcia looks to step up and perform under an offense that's been up and down throughout Spurrier's tenure. Garcia takes center stage in an offense that accounted for throwing 27 interceptions in 2008, the most in college football.
A regular in Spurrier's quarterback rotation, Stephen Garcia now has his back against the wall. The margin for error is slim to none, and with only four returning offensive starters and a handful of new offensive coaches, next year could either make or break Garcia.
The redshirt sophomore will watch as Kenny McKinley and Jared Cook leave the program, highly successful as pass catchers while Gamecocks. Although both Chris Smelley and Tommy Beecher are indeed transferring, Garcia's job is still not absolutely secure. Stephen Gilmore, who plays both sides of the ball, could challenge Garcia's starting position with a strong spring.
Spurrier said of Garcia that "all of our eggs are in his basket now," meaning it's his time to shine. With the departure of some big time play-makers comes the arrival of some fresh blood, freshman and sophomores who are highly talented. Stephen Garcia is only the core of that program.
As a redshirt freshman, Garcia threw six touchdowns and eight interceptions last season, all the while throwing for 832 yards as the second option at quarterback for Spurrier's Gamecocks. Garcia also accounted for 198 rushing yards, and two rushing touchdowns.
While the stats may not blow you away, it's a start. The foundation for winning seasons to come is set in Columbia, and it's up to Spurrier and his new coaching staff to provide that face lift for a program with high expectations.
By and by, the Ol' Ball Coach will keep teaching his guy, Stephen Garcia, while Garcia expects to produce. Either way, the hay is in the barn, and it's time for the Stephen Garcia era in South Carolina.
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