:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28088133/8654871503_d2831e74a0_b.0.jpg)
South Carolina signed its quarterback for the 2014 recruiting cycle on Wednesday in three-star Orange Park (Fla.) Fleming Island High product Michael Scarnecchia. At 6'3 185 pounds, Scarnecchia is rated the 72nd best pro-style quarterback in the nation and has a 247Sports composite index rating of .8095. Though the Gamecocks were only one of two Division I offers, the Jacksonville area quarterback and former UAB commit was personally offered by Steve Spurrier after displaying his athleticism and strong, accurate arm at a camp last summer.
During his two seasons as a starter for Fleming Island High School, Scarnecchia went 17-4 for the Golden Eagles. His high school team was about a 50-50 run/pass team but Scarnecchia's film shows that he has a big arm and is an accurate passer particularly when throwing the deep ball. He's also shown he's able to deliver accurate balls under pressure and has nice touch when throwing on the run. According to his high school head coach, one of his greatest strengths is his decision making. When a play breaks down he has the ability to get his offense out of it and check into something good. At a tall 6'3, he also has the frame to add to weight once he arrives and puts his time into Joe Connolly's strength and condition program.
As many Gamecock fans know, the last off the radar quarterback offered by Spurrier was none other than presumed 2014 starter Dylan Thompson. Much like Thompson, Scarnecchia earned his offer after impressing the Head Ball Coach at a summer camp. Gamecock fans should have high hopes that the Head Ball Coach is on target again with his offer to the Florida quarterback. Physically, he looks the part of an SEC signal caller, and with time to develop and learn the offense under G.A. Mangus, and Steve Spurrier, Scarnecchia could surprise many and see the field in future years. 2014 will give him some time to add weight and learn the ins and outs of the offensive playbook. He will battle for a backup role starting in the Spring of 2015. However, if neither Brendan Nosovitch nor Connor Mitch separate themselves during the 2014 season, Scarnecchia could find himself in a heated battle with both for the starting nod after next season.
