Is Stephen Garcia Coach Steve Spurrier's Biggest Quarterback Mistake?

After the annual Garnet and Black South Carolina Spring Game, Steve Spurrier had some pointed words for junior quarterback Stephen Garcia.

Bottom line? "He just has to get better."

Spurrier has grown tired of the lack of consistent production from the first South Carolina quarterback that he has dubbed "his guy." Spurrier is proud and confident in his ability to scout and coach great college QBs.

His confidence may have taken a hit with Garcia.

Garcia is a strong-armed and mobile QB who has shown off some toughness and grit on the field, while also showing a lackadaisical and somewhat lazy work ethic off it.

That has to change. Now. 

After Spurrier invested so much time and effort keeping Garcia out of trouble, and after making him the unquestioned starter of the team last year, the time for Garcia to put forth the maximum effort possible is here.

Spurrier must be thinking, "Now, show me you are thankful...go get it, son."

See, Spurrier treats his quarterbacks differently from the rest of the team. Call it a negative or a positive, but the position holds a special place in the man's heart. 

He is the father, and they are his sons. His newest son is disappointing him.

Stephen Garcia has the potential to be a great SEC quarterback. He has the physical tools. If his mind would catch up, he just might become an elite player.

Only if.

Steve Spurrier realizes that his time is running short, and this year's iteration of the Gamecocks is the best team he has fielded since he has been there and the first time an experienced starting quarterback has been at the helm of his team. 

The key to the team is the offensive line and Garcia's offseason work.

Garcia will be the difference maker on a team of good to great players. At the end of the day, after all of the media uproar surrounding Spurrier's words (dubbed "attacks") about Garcia, it is up to the young man from Florida to make the commitment to the team.

If not, Spurrier has a new "teacher's pet" quarterback in freshman Connor Shaw, a gifted player who has been devouring film since he stepped foot on the Carolina campus and will be ready to work hard and make that required commitment.

The time is now, Stephen Garcia. Your coach has invested a lot in you, and his status as legendary quarterback guru is being questioned. He always got your back when you were in trouble...

Now, are you willing to get his?