South Carolina Spring Practice 2011: Stephen Garcia Suspended...Again

As a die hard South Carolina fan, I have to say, I am pretty much tired of the drama surrounding Stephen Garcia.  Just as it looks like Garcia may have turned a corner, he makes a big mistake, during one of the biggest weeks of the year. 

Now, the door may be open for sophomore Connor Shaw.

According to ESPN, Stephen Garcia ignored curfew in Atlanta before South Carolina's 26-17 loss to Florida State in the Chick-Filet bowl.  More on this story can be found here.

This is the third spring practice he has been suspended for.  He missed 2007, 2008, and now, 2011.  As a redshirt senior, this was supposed to be the year he took the bull by the horns and led a highly-talented Gamecock team through an easy schedule and repeat as SEC east champions.

Now, the quarterback position is a big time question mark.  According to Chris Low of ESPN, "If Stephen Garcia doesn't respond following his suspension, and if backup Connor Shaw outplays him this spring or even plays him to a draw, there's no doubt Shaw will be the Gamecocks' starting QB to open the 2011 season."

For South Carolina fans who have waited decades for a season to be set up so perfectly, this could be cause for concern.  Originally, South Carolina had a fifth-year senior quarterback, who was third in the SEC in passing yards throwing to one of the best wide receivers in the country and handing it to one of the best running backs. 

Now, sophomore Connor Shaw may be running the show.  He gets a chance during the spring to show the coaches he is ready to be the starter. 

I also believe that if he proves he can play at a similar level to Garcia, he will be the starter.  The players like him, he is a gym and video rat and has a similar skill set to Garcia's.  He has put on some weight and should be more comfortable in the pocket. 

However, this is still a terrible way to start a promising 2011 campaign for the Gamecocks, who had hoped that Garcia's problematic behavior was far behind him.