Mangus: Garcia knows the drill
Steve Spurrier spent the spring publicly challenging quarterback Stephen Garcia to step up his commitment level during the summer passing and conditioning drills.
So, now that the baseball season has ended with an NCAA title and the football team is a month into its summer program, the No. 1 question for South Carolina fans is, ‘Well, …?’
“He’s working hard. He looks good,” quarterbacks coach G.A. Mangus said.
Of course, Mangus hasn’t watched Garcia lead the 7-on-7 passing drills; that would be an NCAA violation. But the feedback Mangus has received from strength coach Craig Fitzgerald, who is allowed to be on the field for the, ahem, ‘voluntary’ workouts, has been encouraging.
Even before Spurrier made the Garcia critiques part of his spiel at each of the Gamecock Club stops in the spring, Mangus said the fourth-year QB knew what was expected of him.
But it’s always helpful to receive a few friendly reminders, though Mangus delivered his message in less threatening language.
“I had long discussions with him in the spring. You’ve got to turn that into layman’s terms, all that stuff that was going on, and put it into terms that he understands. ‘Don’t take it personal. Understand it’s a challenge,’” Mangus said. “We expect a lot of Stephen, I included. I expect the same thing as (Spurrier) does. I’ve got to handle it a little bit different.”
Mangus was among the many USC coaches who attended Wednesday’s celebration for the national-champion baseball team at Colonial Life Arena. He said if the Gamecocks ever hope to have a similar homecoming party for a title-winning football team, they will need outstanding play from the quarterback.
So, yes, this is an important summer for the fourth-year, right-hander from Tampa.
“He understands – and he ought to by now – it is his time,” Mangus said. “He’s got a year under his belt (as a full-time starter). He’s got two years left, and we need him to have that big year that we all want to have.”
15 Comments to “Mangus: Garcia knows the drill”
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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. 
[...] South Carolina quarterbacks coach G.A. Mangus says junior quarterback Stephen Garcia, challenged publicly by head coach Steve Spurrier, is working hard this summer. [...]
[...] South Carolina quarterbacks coach G.A. Mangus says junior quarterback Stephen Garcia, challenged publicly by head coach Steve Spurrier, is working hard this summer. [...]
Nuff said.
[...] South Carolina quarterbacks coach G.A. Mangus says junior quarterback Stephen Garcia, challenged publicly by head coach Steve Spurrier, is working hard this summer. [...]
[...] South Carolina quarterbacks coach G.A. Mangus says junior quarterback Stephen Garcia, challenged publicly by head coach Steve Spurrier, is working hard this summer. [...]
[...] South Carolina quarterbacks coach G.A. Mangus says junior quarterback Stephen Garcia, challenged publicly by head coach Steve Spurrier, is working hard this summer. [...]
Of course, Mangus HAS watched the videos of the 7 on 7 summer drills that SOMEBODY just happened to record. That’s NOT an NCAA violation. Oh wait…it IS a USC team. Must just be their year. Go Gators!!!
I am expecting a big year from Garcia. He should be offended that so many All-SEC preseason pickers have ignored him. Other than Mallett, he’s head and shoulders above any other SEC QB returning from last year.
G.A. should definitely point to Cooper as an example of the commitment level that leads to a championship. Not only did Blake lead us to a NC, but he worked his way into a pro career opportunity in the process.
@sportycock- I believe all the baseball players on the “team” led us to a NC!
If Stephen Garcia gives his all on every down, every practice, in every team meeting and in the class room he will be come USC’s all time passing leader. He’s already 8th on the all time passing list.
Yes Garcia does need to have the breakout year expected of him from the start.Let’s not forget the fact that he HAS to have an O line to make it possible.He has not had that luxury …..Yet
Stephen Garcia is mediocre. Stop believing he can do better. But he is trying.
Stephen is definitely NOT mediocre. Do you actually WATCH any games. He has above average talent…he’s intelligent…and he’s got heart. Watch this year and see. Hey…lakeside gator…get ready to get skinned….your time is UP ….
Stephen is a talented QB, no doubt. I’ve seen many of his passes put on the numbers only to be dropped. He has been harrassed, sacked, and rushed far too often. The truth is the OL needs help. If they improve and Stephen keeps his game up USC will have an offense to compete with any team. The defense usually is better than good. Put them with an offense that runs like the machines Coach S. used to build and then you are talking championships. Easier said than done. None the less, Go Cocks!