Tennessean prepares to become Gamecock

MARYVILLE, Tenn. - For now, Cade Thompson says it's enough to help coach Steve Spurrier signal plays from the sidelines to South Carolina quarterback Blake Mitchell.

But the former Maryville High standout, who will probably redshirt this freshman season, is working to become the next guy taking orders on the field.

"Calling the plays has helped me out a lot to see just every aspect of the offense and understand it better," said Thompson, who was at Spurrier's side on Saturday as the underdog Gamecocks upset Tennessee 16-15 in Knoxville.

Thompson had a stellar high school career at Maryville, about 20 miles south of UT's 104,000-seat Neyland Stadium. He compiled a 43-1 record as a starter and was named 2004 Class 4A Tennessee Mr. Football.

But last weekend, he said, "It was just exciting getting to go out there and warm up in front of everybody. Just being on the sidelines, calling some plays and getting into the action with that. Especially beating (Tennessee), it's just an exciting experience."

Thompson said his first season under the tutelage of Spurrier, a former Heisman-winning quarterback at Florida who coached the Gators to the 1996 national title, at times is "frustrating."

"The biggest thing I've learned about Coach Spurrier is that he's a perfectionist," said Thompson, whose father Wayne played at Maryville College and still coaches the Rebels' secondary.

"He's about a (Maryville) Coach (George) Quarles times five when it comes to being a perfectionist. It's down to every little detail, which is a good thing. (Spurrier) has given me just a general knowledge of everything, defenses and everything. It will make me a better quarterback, eventually."

Quarles believes his former quarterback is wisely using his practice and sideline time with the Gamecocks.

"I think the more he's around and the more familiar he is with the offense and the more he can watch and see what coaches are wanting, the better off he'll be," Quarles said. "Cade knows he needs to mature physically, gain some weight and get stronger. But the mental side is such a different thing in the college game.

"He's using his time to his advantage, I believe. He's excited about learning new stuff, seeing the decision making and all that."

Besides studying film, Thompson is spending extra time each week trying to bulk up his 6-foot-2 frame.

"I'm just working hard in the weight room, and I've gained about 10 pounds so far," Thompson said. "I've got a long way to go with the weight but I just need to work on footwork, mechanics. Everything. I just need to work as hard as I can to get better."