Steve Spurrier didn’t drop any bombshells, announce any big news or take any shots at Lane Kiffin on Sunday at South Carolina’s media day.
But it was an interesting half-hour or so, nonetheless.
The big buzz word for Spurrier on this day was accountability: players being accountable to one another, “coaches … trainers, equipment guys” – you get the point.
Spurrier said in past years the Gamecocks would routinely have four or five guys fail to show for mandatory breakfast. That was supposed to result in a punitive conditioning session on the Stairmaster.
The only problem: There were too many guilty players, not enough Stairmasters.
“We just had a heck of a mess,” Spurrier said.
By weeding out some bad apples and bringing in better ones, things have improved.
Through the first week of preseason drills, Spurrier said the Gamecocks had one player (freshman CB Victor Hampton) show up late for a meeting, which had been held at a different time in previous days.
“So one out of 105’s not too bad,” Spurrier said.
Someone also pointed out that Spurrier has not had to deal with the arrests that have plagued other SEC schools this offseason.
Spurrier’s response?
“They’re really just acting like they should. I don’t really think you should praise the guys for not getting arrested.”
Fair enough. And while Spurrier conceded that on-time arrivals at the breakfast bar do not guarantee success, he clearly is pleased with the attitude through the first week of practice.
He likes the senior leadership, and said he has “better recruiters” on this year’s staff evaluating talent.
Spurrier said these Gamecocks are “in position” to make some hay: They have the facilities to compete, the talent and players who are holding each other accountable.
Now, he said, they just have to win – and “win big.” …
Spurrier was asked about his decision to exclude QB Stephen Garcia from the cover of the media guide. He first mentioned having seniors on the cover until it was pointed out to him that sophomores Stephon Gilmore and Alshon Jeffery are among the five players featured on the cover.
“Maybe we thought Stephen didn’t belong on there. How’s that,” Spurrier said. “When he earns the right to get on there, we’ll put him on there.”