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Tuesday, March 25, 2008
It’s already been a tough Spring
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For some, spring practice is winding up. For others, it’s just getting started. But it’s already been a tough Spring for:
1. Stephen Garcia, QB, South Carolina: I am just about to conclude that Mr. Garcia really has no interest in playing college football. It’s hard to think differently after reading where he was caught for underage drinking, his third offense of the law since he got to campus 14 months ago. His first two offenses, both arrests, came within two weeks of one another. Coach Steve Spurrier placed Garcia on double secret probation and basically told him he was out of chances. Understand that this is not about the offense of underage drinking. Garcia is 20 years old. He graduated from high school early. The issue is being tone deaf to who you are and where you are. After two strikes, you have to be extra careful to protect the plate. There is no margin for error. Spurrier has an interesting decision to make.
2. Percy Harvin, WR, Florida: Harvin is one of the most finely tuned athletes in college football. But that is a double-edged sword. Harvin is hurt again (heel) and will likely miss the rest of the spring. That’s okay. Everybody knows what Harvin can do. He is working out trying to get stronger but his tendency to get hurt is something that coach Urban Meyer will always have to factor into his plans.
3. Auburn running backs: The Tigers have their spring game on Saturday and it comes just in the nick of time. Because of injuries, Auburn is down to one guy who has any experience, Lilburn’s Brad Lester. Hampton’s Mario Fannin, who looks to have an expanded role in Tony Franklin’s new spread offense, just had shoulder surgery. This is one reason some coaches have an early spring practice. It gives guys time to heal to get ready for August.
4. James Davis, RB, Clemson: Davis slightly injured his shoulder during a scrimmage last week and coach Tommy Bowden wisely told the rising senior from Atlanta that he should watch the rest of spring practice, which concludes on April 8. Davis and C.J. Spiller are going to be running behind a reworked offensive line and may take some shots early. They both need to be as healthy as possible.
5. Drew Weatherford, QB, Florida State: Weatherford dinged up his knee a little bit last Saturday in practice. He’ll be fine but may miss some snaps this week. That is actually good for Florida State because OC Jimbo Fisher needs to get more reps for backups Christian Ponder and D’Vontrey Richardson. Richardson, a redshirt sophomore from Leesburg, played baseball last spring but has given that up to work on football. Fisher has told me that he is going to give the young guys a chance to get in there and make some plays. No one has a lock on the job.
