Stepping on to a college field for the first time as a true freshman last season, Jake Bentley showed incredible poise for a player initially penciled in for a redshirt year. Not only did he provide an offensive spark to the program, he helped elevate the confidence of a team heading for a disastrous season. In his first three games, he led South Carolina to three consecutive wins after the team dropped its previous three games.

Now heading into his second season with the Gamecocks, Bentley continues to display his maturity in other forms.

South Carolina’s starting quarterback is being hailed by many as the best quarterback in the East heading into the 2017 season. Considering all the increased expectations in Columbia this offseason, based largely on Bentley’s performances in the last seven games of the season and in the team’s spring game, the leader of the SC offense announced he plans to end his use of Twitter until after the season.

So why is Bentley making this move? His answer continues to demonstrate his level of maturity and leadership that has so many South Carolina fans excited about the future in Columbia.

“It’s just a way to lock in. Not worry about anything else but football and what we have to do to be successful,” Bentley said during his Sunday media availability. “You’re not worried about what anyone says, anyone’s thoughts or opinions. Really, the only thing that matters is our teammates, our coaches. Just being able to lock in and stay focused during the season.”

Bentley was asked a follow-up question regarding the offseason chatter between some South Carolina and Clemson players online.

“We try not to get into that,” Bentley answered. “We need to come out here and just get better. Talking season is over for everyone, it’s really time to put work in on the field and just see what happens on the field.”