Connor Mitch to Start Against North Carolina

The long awaited and highly anticipated decision has been announced. Connor Mitch has been named the starting quarterback to kick off the 2015-16 season against the North Carolina Tarheels.

Although, Mitch has been expected to be the starter since his impressive fall camp, questions loomed over the position as Steve Spurrier continually stated the no QB was truly separating himself from the rest of the pack. The statistics from the most recent scrimmage seemed to reflect that thought also as the statistics were basically identical.

Coming into fall camp all eyes were on the battle between Mitch and newcomer Lorenzo Nunez. Many thought Nunez may have the edge due to sheer athleticism and ability to make plays on his feet. That was not the case as Spurrier ruled Nunez out as an every down quarterback. Nunez will still see time at quarterback this season in special packages, most likely out of the Wildcat formation.

Expectations have been high since Mitch committed to the Gamecocks in the class of 2013. Mitch has been regarded as arguably the best quarterback commit Steve Spurrier had landed at that point in time. Mitch was a 3-star and the 20th best pro-style quarterback coming out of high school according to the 247Sports Composite. Those rankings are deceptive, however. In an interview with 247sports, he revealed that Spurrier wrote letters to him stating that a commitment from him would “extend his career 2-3 years.” He was a hot commodity on the recruiting trail, and a must have for Spurrier. Mitch also had heavy interest from LSU and Alabama before ultimately deciding South Carolina was the best fit for him.

Fast forward two years and Mitch is finally getting the opportunity he wanted. He is now “that guy, the quarterback of the future for South Carolina.”