Chase Daniel. Danny Wuerffel. Rex Grossman. Shane Matthews.
Those are all QBs with pretty good credentials, with a few Heisman finalists (and a winner) in there. And South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier coached those three Gators, who were all probably the best quarterbacks in the SEC when they played.
And yet the Ol’ Ballcoach is comparing his current starting quarterback with the Gamecocks, he of the 25 career passes, to that foursome in certain aspects.
Spurrier has been heaping praise on Tommy Beecher, who he tabbed as the Gamecocks’ starter during the spring.
“Tommy’s our quarterback. I think everybody realizes he gives us the best shot,” Spurrier said. “He’s looked the best out there. He’s had a good summer working out with the guys. He’s accepted the role as the starter.
“Some people say he’s the man. He’s our starting quarterback. It’s important that everybody has confidence in the starting quarterback. That’s just a fact.”
The redshirt junior’s confidence is quite a change from two years ago when Beecher considered transferring as he sat on the bench.
“When [Spurrier] turned the reigns over and gave him the starting job, Tommy’s confidence shot through the roof,” receiver Kenny McKinley said. “When he steps in the huddle, you know he’s the starter.”
Beecher has played in 15 games at South Carolina but has yet to start a game, having completed 16 of 25 passes for 194 yards and two touchdowns along with one interception.
“Tommy’s a good passer and he can move around. He knows our stuff pretty well,” Spurrier said. “So he’s got two years to be a quarterback. I’m anticipating he’s going to be the starter for two years.”
After being named the No. 1 quarterback coming out of spring drills, Beecher said he spent more time this summer working out and doing the things expected of the starter.
“There are certain responsibilities that the starting quarterback has – making sure people get to where they need to be and having the confidence about you that you’re the man and you need to get the job done out there,” Beecher said.
Redshirt sophomore Chris Smelley, 4-2 as a starter splitting time last year with Blake Mitchell, will be the Gamecocks’ No. 2 this season.
