Eyes might be on No. 5, but another five need to step up

By Joe Person - Joe Person

All eyes will be on No. 5 this month as South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia returns from a four-month suspension. But there are plenty of other interesting story lines and position battles for fans to monitor besides Garcia, who will begin camp as the third-team quarterback. Five players to watch, beginning with today's 7:30 p.m. practice that is open to the public.

QB TOMMY BEECHER

While the media and fan Web sites tracked the progress of Garcia this summer while he was banished to his hometown of Lutz, Fla., Beecher quietly went about his business in Columbia preparing for his first camp as the Gamecocks' starter.

Photo 1: Eyes might be on No. 5, but another five need to step up

The 6-foot-2, 227-pound Beecher seemingly has everything Steve Spurrier could want in a quarterback -- smarts, athleticism and innate leadership qualities. What Beecher does not have is experience -- the redshirt junior has made no starts and attempted just 25 passes his first three years.

WR MOE BROWN

The more receiving threats available to Spurrier, the more effective his offense operates.

Kenny McKinley begins the season needing 17 receptions and 359 yards to overtake Sterling Sharpe as USC's all-time leader in both categories. But the Gamecocks could use another speed receiver to pair with McKinley, and Brown showed signs during the spring he can be that guy.

Brown, a junior from Anderson with five career starts, is one of USC's fastest receivers. But until the spring, Brown had trouble creating separation from defensive backs and catching the ball consistently.

Brown, who starts camp with an edge on the gifted but inexperienced crop of receivers in the class behind him, should get some favorable 1-on-1 matchups with defenses gearing up for McKinley.

OT HUTCH ECKERSON

The Gamecocks need a left tackle for the first two games, which returning starter Jamon Meredith must sit out in return for an NCAA ruling that restored a year of eligibility.

Eckerson, who redshirted last season after starting five games at right tackle as a freshman in 2006, would seem to be the top candidate if healthy. The Lumberton, N.C., native had arthroscopic knee surgery during the spring and enters camp as a question mark.

If Eckerson's knee is balky, redshirt freshmen Quintin Richardson or Kyle Nunn could get the call. There also has been talk about using defensive lineman Jarriel King at offensive tackle, assuming the Georgia Military College transfer is admitted to USC and the defensive coaches agree to part with the 6-7, 285-pounder.

DE JORDIN LINDSEY

Twin brothers Jordin and Dustin Lindsey, fifth-year seniors from Mobile, Ala., have combined for 19 career starts and 132 tackles, although neither has been heard from in a while.

Jordin was academically ineligible in 2007, while Dustin , a linebacker, has appeared in only one game since the end of the '05 season due to academic issues and knee problems.

Both brothers have had their share of off-the-field problems, but as Spurrier famously said during the offseason, "One thing about the Lindsey boys, they can stop the run."

Jordin begins preseason drills as a starting end; Dustin is listed as the second-team weakside linebacker behind Eric Norwood.

P RYAN DOERR

Senior Ryan Succop was named a second-team All-SEC punter. But Doerr, a freshman from Katy, Texas, will have a chance to beat out Succop as coaches look to cut down on the number of kicks for Succop, who handles the field goals, extra points and kickoffs.

First-year special teams coach Ray Rychleski likes the way Doerr carries himself. The 6-3, 185-pounder also played receiver for a Katy High School team that went 16-0 and won a state title his senior year.

Doerr, who averaged 42.7 yards a punt as a senior, and walk-on and former York Comprehensive High School standout Spencer Lanning need to boom a bunch of punts this month or Rychleski will stick with Succop.