CHAPIN, SC- Following Steve Spurrier’s sudden resignation on October 13th, there was great speculation to how Gamecock football recruits would react. Perhaps greatest of all, the Chapin community wondered what junior Will Register’s reaction would be to Spurrier’s retirement. Register pledged to play for the Gamecocks toward the end of his sophomore year as a tight end. With Spurrier’s resignation, many wondered about the commitment of the star TE.

Prior to the season, some people took cracks at Spurrier’s age and others thought him incapable to coach. Before the season began, when interviewed by Chris Low of ESPN, Spurrier remarked, “We were 11-2 and ranked fourth in the country this time a year ago, and nobody said a damn word about my age,” Spurrier said. “Now, a year later, I’m suddenly too old, and we’re on our way down.”

Spurrier took full blame of South Carolina’s struggling season when stepping down from the head coaching position. When asked by Low why he retired at his press conference last week, Spurrier replied “We’ve slid. It’s my fault. I’m responsible and I’m the head coach. It’s time for me to get out of the way. I was sort of a recruiting liability. It’s hard to recruit when your coach has done it a long time and the recruits want to know your coach is going to be there 5-10 years from now.”

Register was disappointed to hear the news, but respected Coach Spurrier’s decision.

“I completely respect Coach Spurrier’s decision to retire. It was his decision, and he’s had a long and fruitful career. I am disappointed, of course, but I will be ready to play for the Gamecocks when the time comes”.

When Register was asked would this affect his playing performance for the Gamecocks, he replied “No, I am just as enthusiastic as before. Spurrier was a legend, his loss alone won’t alter my playing performance.”

Spurrier will not be involved in determining the new coach: “That’s not up to the former coach. I don’t believe it should be.” said Spurrier when asked by Chris Low.

Shawn Elliot was named head interim coach. He will remain in that position until at least the end of the season. The head coach for the gamecock in the year 2016 remains unknown. What is known is the gamecocks be be gaining a talented new tight end, who will be ready to play for the Gamecocks, regardless of retirements or new head coaches.