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Q and A: Steve Spurrier

ATLANTA — Steve Spurrier dropped by Tuesday night for a meet and greet with the Atlanta Gamecock Club. Before shaking hundreds of hands and dining with fans, South Carolina's football coach sat down with Atlanta Journal-Constitution writer Bill Sanders to talk about everything from the Confederate flag to Blake Mitchell.

Q: Did you anticipate the amount of interest there'd be in your recent statement that the Confederate flag shouldn't fly at the Statehouse?

A: Not really. I figured it'd get a little bit and die out. I was at a Columbia organization of young people, a group that promotes community, and state, and a better place to live. They have a creed of no prejudice, no discrimination, do things right and fair. They gave me an award for citizenship.

I mentioned some things in the state I thought we needed to work on: domestic violence, high school graduation, we have the lowest cigarette tax, and removing the flag. It was a mixed audience, lots of African-Americans. Everyone stood and applauded. I wish they'd removed it. It doesn't bother me, it doesn't hurt recruiting, but it bothers a lot of people, and it's not a good symbol.

Q: What did you learn about your team this spring?

A: I really believe our defense will be better. We've been ninth in the conference both years. I think we've got better players there. We've recruited well. We'll have some new starters, for sure. On the offensive line, we're still looking for three starters. We'll see. Kenny McKinley has been our best receiver, but we signed some true freshmen who'll play immediately. I also learned what we don't have.

Q: How about Jared Cook?

A: He's doing fine. He tested out about like Calvin Johnson. I think he ran a 4.37 [-second 40-yard dash] and is 6-5 and 235. He struggles cutting, though, and getting away from guys. We're not sure what his best position is, receiver or tight end.

Q: What's your take on your starting quarterback, Blake Mitchell?

A: Blake had a difficult spring game: 13-of-39. That's 1-of-3. He had some pressure on him, defenders in his face all day. The receivers struggled to get open. Hopefully with protection, he'll be fine. It's his fifth year. He's our quarterback.

Q: What about Chris Smelley, the guy figuring to push Mitchell?

A: He's still a little bit away from being ready to play. He needs to get a little quicker, learn the offense a little better.

Q: Your thoughts on the SEC East?

A: Same as always, I guess. We'll be picked fourth. Kentucky is a little better, though. So is Vandy. Both beat UGA last year. We've set a goal of winning the SEC next year.

Q: How do you evaluate this past recruiting year?

A: The win at Clemson helped our football program. Winning the bowl game, winning the last three games, gives you momentum and encouragement going into the recruiting season. We were fourth in one list, sixth in a couple others. It gives us hope we can compete. In truth, we got some and lost some.

Q: How is early recruiting going for 2008?

A: 'Bout like always. Probably not as many early commitments as a lot of schools, but that doesn't mean much. We're on schedule.

Q: One last thing: Handicap Thursday's golf match with Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville.

A: We're pretty close. It'll be interesting to see what happens. I think it's going to be match play, so no one will have to report scores. Either way, it's OK. Whatever happens, someone will win, someone will lose.

Bill Sanders writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.