Stephen Garcia: Too Many Expectations Put on the South Carolina Quarterback

When Stephen Garcia signed with the South Carolina Gamecocks in 2006, Steve Spurrier thought he had the quarterback that would take him back to the national championship game. It appears that the ol’ ball coach will have to wait a little longer for that day because the QB from Lutz, Florida was released for the last time from the South Carolina team.

After five suspensions from the team, the controversial quarterback has officially lost the right to wear the garnet and black on Saturday afternoons.

Garcia ends his college career with over 7,500 yards, which makes him only the third QB in South Carolina history to reach that mark, a 57.7 percent completion rating and 47 touchdowns. To go along with those stats, he had a winning record of 20-14 as a starter. He threw 41 interceptions over the course of his career, nine of which came this season. His nine interceptions, which lead the nation this year, came in just a short five-game stretch.

His time at South Carolina had many ups and downs, but mostly downs. The highlight of Garcia’s career came last year against the Alabama Crimson Tide. The SEC West powerhouse came into Columbia undefeated and ranked No. 1 in the nation. Garcia played arguably the best game of his career, throwing three touchdowns and racking up 201 yards through the air. In addition, he completed 17-of-20 passes.

What will Garcia’s legacy be? It could be that Alabama game or the fact that he led the Gamecocks to their first SEC East title. However, people tend to remember the negative things about public figures. Finding a negative for Stephen Garcia is not hard to do.

Garcia just represents another college athlete with immense talent that was either too undisciplined or did not care enough. It seems Garcia’s issue was the latter because South Carolina’s defense and offense have the talent to win the SEC East this year.

Garcia came into his freshman season with the blessing of Steve Spurrier, and the hopes of a fanbase that was desperate for a winner. The pressure proved to be too much and the Gamecock Nation was only left with more disappointment.