Stephen Garcia Prediction: 4,000 Yards, 35 Touchdowns, 1st-Team All-SEC in 2011

Bank on it.

The man who has been scrutinized, suspended for petty things, hated by fans and foes alike and benched multiple times will be one of the nation's best quarterbacks in 2011.

Connor Shaw is waiting in the wings, and he will play.  However, Stephen Garcia will put up the 4,000 yards and 35 touchdowns mentioned in the title.

And here is why...

1. He Really Does Have NFL Aspirations

Stephen Garcia believes he is an NFL-caliber quarterback, and knows he has squandered his opportunity.  If anything, Garcia has been known as a fighter, a warrior, if you will...and now his back is against the wall. 

He knows this is his last chance to impress NFL scouts and coaches, and he has the willpower to do so. 

2. Alshon Jeffery and the Wide Receiver Group

This year, South Carolina has the most explosive receiving group that it has ever had. 

We all know about Alshon Jeffery and what type of insane talent he is.  By himself, he is good for 1,500 to 1,800 yards and 10 to 15 touchdowns. 

However, Ace Sanders has improved a great deal and looks to be an absolute star in the making.  With Jason Barnes coming in with a chip on his shoulder, and Damiere Byrd looking like a touchdown machine, Garcia will have more than enough targets to spread the ball to. 

3. Marcus Lattimore's Forgotten Skill

Marcus is known for being a bruising power runner. 

While this is true, he has a really unique skill set that generally sets him apart from other running backs. 

He is one of the best receiving backs in college football and could easily see 500 yards receiving with at least five touchdowns.  He has soft hands and runs great routes for a running back.

Also, he is a great pass blocker.  If he ever has to stay in the backfield and pick up blitzes, he will be able to do so with great ease. 

His backup, Shon Carson, a freshman, also has comparable pass-catching skills. 

4. The Connor Shaw Factor

Yes, Connor Shaw will take snaps from Stephen Garcia during the course of the season.  However, he will also do something that hasn't been done since Garcia arrived on campus.

He will push Garcia to be better as a realistic threat to his starting spot.  This is only extra motivation for a player who knows this is his last shot. 

Not only that, but South Carolina will be prepared for 2012 with a great starter already in place in Connor Shaw.

5. South Caroilna's Defense Will Give Garcia Plenty of Opportunities

This could be a good thing or a bad thing. 

The defensive front seven could be the most dominant in college football, leading to turnovers, pressure, and quick three-and-outs...as long as the defensive backs pick up the pace. 

In 2010, it was no secret that they were an awful, but confusingly talented group. 

If they do suck again, they will give up big plays and quick scores, which will still give Garcia plenty of opportunities to score and win shootouts. 

6. Team Garcia Really Is Important to Stephen

Finally, with all of the trouble that Stephen Garcia endured, there was one common thread.  His teammates stood by his side.  They opened a Twitter account called "Team Garcia" and supported their friend and warrior quarterback. 

Stephen himself said if it wasn't for them, he would have transferred. 

This team means a great deal to Stephen.  Without a doubt, he will put it all out on the field for his teammates and fans in Columbia. 

This I know. 

It's great to be a Gamecock.

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