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South Carolina names sophomore QB Connor Mitch as starter

Mitch was competing with junior Perry Orth and freshman Michael Scarnecchia. According to ESPN, the former four-star prospect is the highest-rated QB Spurrier has signed at South Carolina, surpassing Stephen Garcia, Connor Shaw and Thompson. South Carolina faces UNC in the season opener on September 3.

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Spurrier also says that the competition was close and what it did was prepare the other quarterbacks well to step in if needed due to injury. “We’re going to give him all the support we can”.

Mitch – a 6-foot-3, 223-pound signal caller from Raleigh, N.C. – threw for 4,661 yards and 63 touchdowns as a high school senior in 2012, completing 62 percent of his passes.

Dylan Thompson left the South Carolina Gamecocks with a big hole at the quarterback position after he graduated, but the team has apparently found his heir apparent.

Mitch will be making his first collegiate start against his home state school, and he has an even stronger connection to the Tar Heels than that.

“He kind of hinted to me (Monday)”, Mitch said of Spurrier’s decision. He threw three interceptions in two stadium scrimmage sessions this month, something Spurrier acknowledged must end for the Gamecock offense to succeed. “When you look at the stats, they’re all about the same right now”.

Mitch is likely to concede at least some snaps to talented freshman Lorenzo Nunez, however.

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Winning at summer camp is one thing, but Mitch anticipates a tougher task during the season. He says that if Mitch can’t perform, or gets hurt that the Gamecocks will be in good hands with the back-ups.

Nov 15 2014 Gainesville FL USA South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver Pharoh Cooper runs with the ball against the Florida Gators during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. South Carolina Gamecocks defeated the Florida Gators 23-20 in