On Tuesday Steve Spurrier announced that Redshirt Sophomore, Connor Mitch, would be the Gamecocks’ starting Quarterback. He will get his first career start in the opener against the University of North Carolina.
The name Connor is still very much endeared by all Gamecock fans.
The mention of it brings back memories of a warrior with a no quit attitude and a winning spirit, Connor Shaw. As a true freshman, Shaw played in nine games, and would go on to be the all time wins leader.
Shaw, a 3 star, dual-threat, with only 6 offers, found himself thrown to the fire very early and succeeded.
Connor Mitch, a 4 star pro style type with 15 offers, would have to wait behind Connor Shaw and another record breaker at Carolina, in Dylan Thompson. There’s no discounting the time he’s spent learning from The Head Ball Coach and his predecessors as it should play a huge part in his game time readiness.
The Gamecocks’ 2014 campaign was one filled with close games, leading to Mitch seeing very limited action.
His first career start will be his return to North Carolina and will it will be against his home state’s school. The same state where he broke most of the high school passing records.
The Tarheels finished 2014 ranked 117th in total defense. As a result, they hired former Auburn Head Coach, Gene Chizik, to rehash their defense. While there’s no doubt UNC will be better defensively, the question remains, did they do enough?
As the season begins, many Gamecock fans are excited and waiting to see what this unknown team has to offer. If Mitch can get on a roll, in game one, the national eye may, once again, find it’s way back to Columbia. As of now, the Connors only share a name. Is it possible, for both, to share a legacy? The time is getting near, and the answer will come, soon.