Mitchell much more confident in 2006

In any offense, the quarterback position is arguably the most critical position on the field. The quarterback is the leader of the offense, the player that touches the ball on every play. But most importantly, the quarterback is the key decision maker for the offense, an extension of the play-caller. The quarterback must make the correct read at the line of scrimmage, make the correct read on the defenses coverage and deliver the ball to the open receiver or check into the correct play.

From 2002-2004 South Carolina was a team without a quarterback capable of doing those things. It cost the Gamecocks dearly, as they had the talent needed to win games and go to bowl games, but they were limited because the quarterback was either not allowed to do the things needed to win, or wasn't capable of doing the things needed to win. The lack of a competent quarterback would be a major part of the undoing of the Lou Holtz era.

With the arrival of Steve Spurrier, south Carolina fans rejoiced that the forward pass would finally replace the quarterback draw as a major part of the offense.

Seldom used red-shirt Sophomore Blake Mitchell, who had only attempted 22 career passes would be called on to lead Steve Spurrier's "Cock and Fire" offense. The 6'3 212 pound signal caller responded by completing 59 percent of his passes(186-315) for 2370 yards, 17 TD's and 12 interceptions. Half of Mitchell's interceptions came in USC's final two games versus Clemson and Missouri.

As the former Elite 11 QB enters the 2006 season, Mitchell appears much more comfortable with the offense, and his role as the trigger man in Steve Spurrier's offense. At times, the Lagrange, GA native was criticized for not audibling more at the line of scrimmage by the OBC. However, in the spring, Mitchell's comfort level allowed him to make more decisions at the line of scrimmage.

Cockfather Illustrated believes this is Blake Mitchell's football team. With more weapons in the arsenal, there is no reason why Mitchell could not throw for 3000 yards and 20+ touchdowns in 2006 provided he stays healthy, and the offensive line gives him time to deliver the ball to his targets.

If there has been one player that has caught the attention of the fans and the coaches in fall camp, it has been the play of Chris Smelley. The 6'3 206 pound true freshman from Tuscaloosa, AL. The rivals 4 star prospect has been spectacular in USC's three pre-season scrimmages completing a combined 34 of 53 passes for 509 yards, 6 TD's and no interceptions. The true freshman signal caller has out-shined incumbent Blake Mitchell to the point that many Gamecock fans are already wondering how long will it be before Smelley replaces Mitchell as the Gamecocks starting quarterback.

To that, I would borrow a phrase from ESPN's Lee Corso, "not so fast my friend." Sure Smelley has been impressive. He has a unique ability to see past the pass rush and focus on throwing the ball down field. He doesn't panic under pressure. He appears to have that 6th sense to be able to feel the rush coming and deliver the ball or move the pocket and make a play. However, the back-up quarterback is always the fan favorite.

It should really not come as a surprise that Smelley's numbers have been impressive when you consider what he did during his high school career. The Gatorade Circle of Champions Player of the Year in Alabama threw for a record 4120 yards and 59 touchdowns, with only 9 interceptions. For his career, the rivals.com 8th rated drop back passer shattered Brodie Croyle's record if 105 TD passes, with an astounding 134 TD passes.

Cockfather Illustrated believes Smelley has passed red-shirt freshman Cade Thompson as the second team quarterback, and should Mitchell struggle at times like he did last year, I don't think the OBC will hesitate to go with Smelley and give him an opportunity to lead the team.

Cade Thompson 6'2 183 Freshman(R) - Thompson was impressive in USC's spring game, completing 10-13 passes for 136 yards and 2 TD passes. Heading into the summer months, it appeared that the Maryville, TN native could provide stiff competition for Blake Mitchell heading into fall practice. That has not been the case, however, as Thompson has regressed in fall camp. In US's third and final pre-season scrimmage, Thompson completed only 4 of 15 passes. The only consistent thing he has done in those scrimmages is perform poorly and turn the ball over.

Cockfather Illustrated believes Thompson is at a cross roads in his career. If he gets a chance to perform this fall, he must shake off a sub-par fall camp and show the same promise he exhibited during a stellar high school career, when he won 35 straight games and posted an overall record of 43-1 at Maryville High School, leading his team to 2 State Championships.

The other player that figures into the quarterback mix at USC is multi-purpose athlete Syvelle Newton. The 6'0 210 pound senior is coming off a torn Achilles tendon injury, but has remarkably looked like the same spectacular play-maker he has always been. The former Marlboro County star has lined up at quarterback, runningback, and wide receiver over the course of his career. last season against Vanderbilt, Newton did all three, rushing for 80 yards on 15 carries, completed 3-4 passes for 46 yards and 2 TD's and caught 1 pass for 8 yards. for his accomplishments, Newton was named SEC player of the week. That would be the last time newton would play in 2005 as he suffered the Achilles injury on a touchdown run in the 4th quarter.

Cockfather Illustrated believes Newton will play a similar role as he did in the 2005 Vanderbilt
contest. Newton will primarily play WR this season, but will likely be inserted in the game as a shotgun quarterback, with a package designed to take advantage of his talents, and to give defensive coordinators more to prepare for each week.

Red-shirt freshman Tommy Beecher 6'1 212 pounds from Concord, NC and Senior Brett Nichols, a walk-on from Simpsonville who was recently rewarded with a scholarship, round out the quarterback prospects at USC. Both could see some action in mop up duty this season.