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Will Muschamp hasn't been shy in his short time on campus in Columbia. And, he's back at this week after throwing some shade on division rival and Georgia head coach Kirby Smart (all in good fun) while snapping selfies with students crossing Greene Street.
So happy I got a chance to meet @CoachWMuschamp ! #SpursUp #Gamecocks pic.twitter.com/TlpzoX0EEU
— Bry ⚓️ (@haus_of_bryan) April 4, 2016
Will Muschamp on Kirby Smart, who are close friends: "There's no doubt on that day (gameday), I’m looking forward to whippin' his ass."
— UGA Football Live (@UGAfootballLive) April 4, 2016
After a Monday morning meeting with the media, it's clear the Gamecocks new head coach has rejuvenated a parched program. And, some of his optimism may stem from the improvement and strides he's already seen his team make in the two short weeks of spring practice thus far.
While the Gamecocks may not be close to where they want to be come September 1st, Muschamp's seen enough publicly to provide some positive feedback for his players.
Of those in particular is true freshman quarterback Brandon McIlwain, who once again earned praise from his head coach after Saturday's team scrimmage. While Muschamp clearly intended to try to rattle his QB's with tough situations throughout the session, McIlwain's 12-14 passing performance to go along with zero turnovers may have proved he's developing the necessary poise and efficiency to lead the Gamecocks' offense in 2016.
Of the other healthy Gamecock QBs, rising junior Connor Mitch garnered some much needed public praise, most notably a seam throw to wideout Deebo Samuel. Heading into the final week of spring practice and with only three healthy QB's taking reps at the moment, now's as good a time as any for Mitch to catch the attention of his offensive coaches as he continues to prove his worth as a Gamecock entering his third season.
The quarterback play wasn't the only thing Muschamp liked Saturday. The head coach went through the status of most of his depth chart Monday, with guys like Samuel, running back David Williams, receiver Jamari Smith, tight end Hayden Hurst, and most of his defensive line and linebackers earning a positive phrase or two from their head coach.
Expect Muschamp and his staff to bring an intensity to the final week of spring practice as they treat it has a true game week.