The biggest question in South Carolina’s spring practice is its quarterback. Without a doubt, Steve Spurrier needs Connor Mitch to step up and take the reins of the offense if the Gamecocks want to go into the fall with any confidence. There are also very real issues that are literally in front of the quarterback quandary; namely, who will be blocking this spring and into the fall?

Gone from last year’s team are two standouts, tackle Corey Robinson and guard A.J. Cann. Losing the left side of the line that featured one All-SEC performer and another three-year starter is certainly not a positive, even if there are reinforcements ready to step up into their roles.

Unfortunately, those would-be reinforcements are among South Carolina’s walking wounded this spring.

Mike Matulis, who worked his way back after missing nearly two years due to injuries, is out this spring with a knee injury. He’s expected to be one of the top contenders to replace Robinson at left tackle, and losing him narrows the field to just Mason Zandi during spring ball. Brandon Shell, who started at right tackle last year, is also ruled out for the spring with a shoulder injury.

Carolina will be missing depth as well with backup guard Cody Waldrop sidelined, temporarily removing one contender for Cann’s old spot. On top of that, former offensive lineman Clayton Stadnik has moved to a tight end/fullback role, and he’s listed nearly 50 pounds lighter than he was in the fall. The chances of getting him back on the offensive line appear to be slimmer than the rising redshirt junior.

All of these certainly presents some concern for Spurrier’s squad. The offense wasn’t the problem with last year’s team, but with the big names and big-time performers the Gamecocks are replacing, it could be an issue this year. If the entire offensive line or at least most of the presumed starters were healthy, Carolina could breathe a little easier.

Instead, the Gamecocks will have a patchwork offensive front all spring. Center Alan Knott and right guard Brock Stadnik have a good chance to lock down their starting spots, while Zandi can put his stamp on the left tackle opening.

Without Matulis, Shell and Waldrop, though, there isn’t much competition, and it’ll be hard for Spurrier and offensive line coach Shawn Elliott to make any decisions on the starting lineup with confidence knowing that their best options could be watching practice in street clothes.