Anytime South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier steps in front of a podium, he makes news for something he said. At the 2014 SEC Media Days in Hoover, Alabama, that was no different. Among the Spurrier-isms this time around was a reunion with an old quarterback, a Texas history lesson and a couple of jabs at other SEC coaches that have led some to question whether the South Carolina coach can walk the walk.

All Spurrier has done is put up three consecutive 11-win seasons and go to eight bowl games in nine seasons in the toughest conference in college football. Say what you will about his bedside manner, but it’s hard to argue with what Spurrier has done on the field. If anyone can stomach the loss of a transcendent player like Jadeveon Clowney, then it’s Spurrier.

“Defensively we lose some good players,” said Spurrier. “Of course Jadeveon, Chaz Sutton, Kelcy Quarles inside, Victor and Jimmy Legree, our two corners. But we got all of our linebackers back, a bunch of guys. So we should have a good defense, hopefully a really good one.”

“We lost some big guys,” said senior defensive tackle J.T. Surratt. “But at the same time, we’ve got some guys that can make a name for themselves. We’ve also got a lot of us who are hungry and eager to start this year just so we can not so much quiet some things, but show everyone that we’re not going to fall off.”

Another blow the Gamecocks will have to address is the loss of quarterback Connor Shaw, who left Columbia as the winningest quarterback in school history. He was 27-5 overall including a sparkling 17-0 at home. Despite that, new starter Dylan Thompson is embracing the new role.

“Being a leader is fun for me; not just in football but in life,” said Thompson, a senior. “Being a leader is about caring about people and that’s what I try to do with our team. We have great relationships within our team and staff.”

“This year, Dylan is stepping up as a quarterback, and I think we have done a good job in the offseason already getting the team together,” said senior guard A.J. Cann. “I think this year we’re going to have a look up to in any moment to take that leadership role.”

Of course, the leadership pyramid all starts with Spurrier. Much like LSU coach Les Miles, there’s something about the eccentricity that captivates and engrosses the players. They buy into his system, quirks and all.

“Every time someone asks me how it is playing for him, I say it’s just a blast,” said Thompson. “When I got to South Carolina, I knew that he was a perfectionist, so that’s been awesome to be able to work with him. You’ll have a decent game and he’s just not satisfied. That’s what I love about him.”

South Carolina opens the season against Texas A&M on August 28th.