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In midst of recruiting crisis, Spurrier retracts ‘2 or 3 more seasons’ remark
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Steve Spurrier can’t take back what he said, but he tried to after meeting with the media Wednesday following South Carolina’s second bowl practice:
Steve Spurrier: “I’m back on the 4-5 year plan.”
— David Cloninger (@DCTheState) December 17, 2014
Spurrier says you should always be on the 4-5 year plan. Realizes there were concerns on tenure and thanks recruits that stayed.” — David Cloninger (@DCTheState) December 17, 2014
The 69-year-old head coach’s recent admission that he planned on staying ‘2 or 3 more seasons’ at South Carolina cast doubt in the minds of many prep prospects on how they perceive the SEC East program as a potential landing spot on national signing day.
“Give me two or three more (years),” Spurrier told The State earlier this month. “I used to say four or five, now I’m down to two or three. I mean, I could get in a car wreck, but I’m definitely planning on being back.”
Four-star cornerback Mark Fields said he didn’t appreciate the uncertainty following his decommitment on Tuesday, a sentiment echoed over the weekend by another former commit, offensive lineman Jozie Milton.
Fields’ surprise decommitment was the sixth such announcement in the 2015 class, prompting Spurrier’s retraction.
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At the urging of South Carolina athletic director Ray Tanner, Spurrier will ponder a one-year extension this week and expressed his belief that players don’t sign with the Gamecocks because of him.
Spurrier also said several of South Carolina’s decommits could change their mind prior to National Signing Day.
Ray Tanner has recommended a year extension to Spurrier’s contract. Spurrier reckons he’ll take it.
— David Cloninger (@DCTheState) December 17, 2014
Spurrier says most athletes don’t come to #UofSC because of him because he’s not that important. #Gamecocks
— Willie Smith (@willie_t_smith) December 17, 2014
