Looks like the end for Beecher and Wallace
If Tommy Beecher returns to Columbia in 2009, it appears it will be in a corner office of an insurance company, not in the quarterbacks meeting room at the Floyd Building.
Beecher, who lasted one game as the starting quarterback after Steve Spurrier anointed him No. 1 following spring practice, will be among the 26 seniors honored Saturday before what presumably will be their final home game.
The vast majority of players who participate in Senior Day activities are those in their final season of eligibility (Jasper Brinkley, the Lindseys, etc.) and walk-ons who have put in a good four years and are moving on.
The more intriguing names are those of the fourth-year players who have another year of eligibility remaining.
When USC’s list of departing seniors first came out this week, tailback Bobby Wallace was on it; Beecher was not.
But Spurrier said Wednesday both players will go through the Senior Day ceremony and he does not expect either to be back next season.
“If you’re not playing in your fourth year, the odds are you’re not going to play much in your fifth year,” Spurrier said.
This is not all that surprising. Since that N.C. State game, Beecher has been buried on the depth chart and, with Stephen’s Garcia emergence, would appear to have little chance of climbing out.
And though Beecher certainly would have liked his football career to go differently, he’s been exemplary off the field – carrying a 3.8 grade point average (highest on the team for a couple years running) in actuarial mathematics.
He already has several job opportunities in the insurance field.
Likewise, Wallace probably envisioned bigger and better things when he became the first recruit to commit to Spurrier in the winter of 2004-05. The diminutive back from Conway has had his moments, but has been unable to develop into an every-down back while living on the edge academically.
Spurrier says there is always a chance a player who walks out with his parents for Senior Day would come back for a fifth season. But that seems doubtful in the cases of Beecher and Wallace, who should soak up the moment Saturday during their senior send-off.
14 Comments to “Looks like the end for Beecher and Wallace”
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USC football beat writer Joe Person has covered the Gamecocks since the start of the 2002 season. He's been on the college football beat since 1993. 
i wish them well….its time for them to move on and they will always be gamecocks….goooo cocks!!!
For what I’ve seen Bobby Wallace was/is the most elusive back we have. He, in my opinion gave/gives us our best running opportunity. I just wish we would use him more because he is as good if not better than Davis. Davis studder steps and spins too much. Wallace slashes and cuts up field and is much quicker. What a waste and shame. Bobby, if you’re reading this…I loved watching you run… just wish Spurrier thought the same!
Are these boys graduating? I assume so.
If they are, it’s time to move out and let someone else have a shot. We’ll have plenty of capable QBs and RBs next year.
qb – Smelley/Garcia/McCullom/Hilary
rb – Maddox/Baker/Miles/Rank/insert freshman stud here/insert freshman stud here
[...] cases of Beecher and Wallace, who should soak up the moment Saturday during their senior send-off. Looks like the end for Beecher and Wallace | Joe Person on Football __________________ “Coach Spurrier “I don’t know what it is, but I sort of like these people [...]
Wallace should stay, should start, Mike Davis isnt having any kind of year this year.
I wish T. Beecher the best of luck and thank him for the effort. I dont see him earning playing time in the near future…but as far as Bobby W. is concerned…dang he deserves more touches a game. Look at the stats below…
Att Yrds Ave Td
Mike Davis 123 435 3.5 2
Stephen Garcia 51 135 2.6 1
Eric Baker 28 101 3.6 0
Bobby Wallace 21 93 4.4 0
Brian Maddox 25 79 3.2 1
Taylor Rank 18 42 2.3 1
Dang, Bobby…wish you had kept yourself in better shape in school…probably would have earned more playing time that way:(
Nobody’s gonna be a strong running back until the O Line steps up and starts opening a few holes. But best of luck to both Wallace and Beecher.
Hoping he would stay next year Bobby#22 because of his speed lift your head up everybopdy knows what you can do too bad our #1 coach can’t see it. And you was the man first commit is i’m stuip or what!
Good Luck Fellas.
Best of luck to you Tommy. You are a true gentlemen. Hope to see you around Columbia.
Bobby, dog gone it, you should put on a show these last 4 games. You have what we need and are a very serviceable back. You put up some decent numbers and you’ll be required to come back.
Thankks to both of you gentlemen for being in the Garnet & Black , we all wish you well !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wait a dang minute, I got a great idea! Tommy, you take Bobby under your tutorial wing and coach him up academically so he can pass those classes .Bobby once your school worries are over you can hit that field with confidence and The HBC will give you the chance you deserve. What a doable deal!!!!!!!!!
I hope all the Seniors get to play some in the next few games. They deserve it.
#22, I sure loved watching you play. I wish we could have put the ball in your hands more often. You have the quickness to make the big plays. Keep that head up!
if wallace could block he would play more you idiots