Beecher will likely get the nod

COLUMBIA — If Tommy Beecher is a temporary solution at quarterback for South Carolina, his coach certainly didn't echo that at a Thursday news conference.

In his strongest statements yet about Beecher, Steve Spurrier said the fourth-year junior is his man entering summer camp, which begins Aug. 1.

And he sounded as if he expects Beecher to start Aug. 28 in the Thursday night opener against North Carolina State.

"I again want to reiterate that Tommy Beecher is going to have a chance to be our quarterback," Spurrier said. "He has not had a chance. He's going into his fourth year now. We want to give him every opportunity to be the quarterback."

That's a far different tune than Spurrier was singing after both Beecher and Chris Smelley struggled in the Gamecocks' spring game.

As an ugly reminder, Beecher was 9-for-20 for 131 yards, with a touchdown and three interceptions in the scrimmage. Smelley went 13-for-30 for 219 yards. He threw three touchdowns, but five first-half interceptions.

Weeks later, something changed in the Ball Coach's mind. Spurrier began talking about Beecher as the starter during his circuit of spring Gamecock Club meetings.

He obviously hasn't backed off that. On the contrary, for those thinking that Spurrier's bluffing or he's using this as some sort of motivational tactic, he seems firm and confident about Beecher.

"Tommy Beecher is going to get a chance," Spurrier said. "Barring an injury, he should go the distance or do whatever it takes in the first game, second game and on down the line. This is not, 'If he goes bad, the next guy goes in.' Tommy Beecher right now is getting his shot.

"He's our first-string quarterback, and we're going to do everything we can to help him."

Last year, Beecher played significant snaps in only the Louisiana-Lafayette and South Carolina State wins.

He was 14-of-22 for 175 yards, with a score and an interception in those games.

Smelley started six games, going 4-2. He was 92-for-162 for 1,176 yards, with nine TDs and seven interceptions.

When asked Thursday about embattled quarterback Stephen Garcia,

Spurrier declined to talk too much about him. He said, as far as he knew, Garcia was on track to return in August. But, other than that, he referred questions to university administration.

"It's not up to me," Spurrier said. "We'll take Stephen when he comes if he comes. That's up to the university. From what I hear, he's done what they've asked. ... If Stephen comes back and he makes it, he'll be the third guy and we'll go from there."

Spurrier talked briefly about the arrivals of freshmen Aramis Hillary and former Summerville star Reid McCollum. Both are likely headed toward redshirts.

Spurrier also spent some time, without really being asked, talking about himself.

He said he feels physically young for his age, which is 63. And, with that in mind, he said he wants to coach another five years at USC.

He said he wants to see how Hillary and others develop with his staff.

Spurrier laughed off reports that he's considering retirement after this season.

And he also laughed about national reports that Steve Spurrier Jr. will become USC's offensive coordinator.

"Let me just get that straight," Spurrier said. "I will be responsible for the play-calling."

Spurrier said he planned to spend more time with the offense, especially the quarterbacks, because of his ability to rely on new defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson and special teams coordinator Ray Rychleski.

Among the other items of note, brought up by Spurrier:

--Of the six freshmen on the fence, Spurrier says about "three or four" will probably not qualify.

Like others have said, he expects North Charleston's Jarriel King to be here later this month after completing a math course.

Eliot Williams will likely need a prep school stint to get in.

It's unclear in the cases of Darrell Simmons, Chaz Sutton, Ronald Byrd and Tori Childers. But, from what Spurrier said, some of them might need time elsewhere before becoming USC-eligible.

--Melvin Ingram will likely move from linebacker to fullback, to simplify things for the sophomore.

--Pat DiMarco will spend more time at tight end than fullback since Jared Cook and Weslye Saunders have proven themselves as receivers but not necessarily blockers.

--Hutch Eckerson's injured knee might keep him from starting the season at guard. Spurrier mentioned redshirt freshman Quentin Richardson as someone who's emerged this summer. The same goes for tackle Kyle Nunn.

Reach Travis Haney at thaney@postandcourier.com and check out the new South Carolina blog at www.charleston.net/blogs/gamecocks.