Spurrier declines to reveal leader between Garcia, Shaw
South Carolina will name its starting quarterback at some point early next week, but coach Steve Spurrier isn't ready to discuss the odds on who it may be.
"I'm not getting into all the percentages right now," said Spurrier after practice Tuesday. "We'll have something to say some time next week."
The second summer competition between incumbent Stephen Garcia, a fifth-year senior who has started 28 consecutive games for USC, and sophomore Connor Shaw appears to be headed toward a decision. The Gamecocks will scrimmage during today's practice. That portion of the workout will go a long way toward deciding several position battles, including quarterback, according to Spurrier.
"It'll probably be about the last scrimmage, so we've got to make some decisions [at quarterback] and ... at other positions," Spurrier said. "It'll be an important scrimmage for several guys."
Shaw spoke to the media Tuesday for the first time since he dislocated the thumb on his right throwing hand. Shaw suffered the injury during USC's scrimmage last week, being forced to end his night after sparkling on several series with the first team.
Prior to being knocked out, the Flowery Branch, Ga., native had thrown for 192 yards and two touchdowns on six-of-11 passing.
"You don't want to go out on an injury like that," Shaw said of the abrupt ending to his night. "It's frustrating, but we've got time for it to heal and stuff."
Shaw said he was told by Spurrier to compete, so that is what he has done, but that he hasn't thought much about the prospect of unseating Garcia, who has started every game for Carolina dating back to the 2009 Outback Bowl.
"I'm not worrying about that," Shaw said. "The only thing I can worry about is how I'm getting better."
Timing, ball placement, decision-making and overall knowledge playbook are areas Shaw said he has made significant improvements in since his freshman season of a year ago.
"I feel really comfortable out here," he said. "I think I'm getting better day by day."
When asked for his personal feelings on the competition between him and Garcia, specifically if he saw the race being "50-50" between the two of them, Shaw seemed to acknowledge his odds as being somewhat long due to his limited experience.
"Stephen's a fifth-year senior, so he's been here, done that," Shaw said.
He then added he doesn't necessarily think Garcia's veteran status will be the breaking point in whatever decision Spurrier makes, but rather the call will be made based on performance over the summer.
"Honestly, I really have no idea," Shaw said. "I guess [Spurrier will] weigh it out on who performs better during camp."
Spurrier said he has been pleased with both Garcia and Shaw this preseason, in particular how they have competed for the starting job.
"They've done OK," Spurrier said.
Spurrier supportive of Summitt: Spurrier expressed support and positivity for legendary Tennessee women's basketball coach Pat Summitt, who announced Tuesday she has been diagnosed with early-onset dementia related to Alzheimer's Disease.
"I'm sure she's going to do everything possible, and it will not affect her much at all, if at all," Spurrier said. "I think she'll be an excellent coach several more years."
Summitt, 59, said she plans to remain UT's coach and lead the Lady Vols for a 38th season. She has won 1,071 games and eight national championships in Knoxville.
Sled hits: Spurrier said he did not feel Tuesday's earthquake ... slotback Bruce Ellington said he would be perfectly willing to move to defensive back if the team needed him to due to the recent depth issues in the secondary. However, the coaching staff has not addressed the subject with him at this point ... USC will practice again today at the Bluff Road fields. The session begins at 4:15 p.m. and is closed to the public.