COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Quarterback Cade Thompson no longer measures his success in victories, completions or yards. He measures them in pounds.

The former Maryville High School star already has added 10 pounds in his first year at South Carolina. He's up to 180 and has bigger things in mind.

"Eventually, I'd like to be 200 or 205," said Thompson, who is 6-foot-2. "Maybe, 195 next year."

What other gains Thompson has made as a college football player aren't easily evaluated. He doesn't play on the scout team, much less games. Most of his practice time is limited to what coaches call "mental reps."

That's the way South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier wants it.

"He's got a beautiful pass, and he's learning our offense," Spurrier said. "But he did not need to play this year. He'll have a chance to compete (for the quarterback job) next spring."

Thompson is used to winning, not waiting. He started three years at Maryville, lost only one game and won two state championships.

"I've got to wait for my time," he said. "And when my time comes, take advantage of it. I'm just sitting back and learning things."

And he's learning from one of the best quarterback coaches in the country.

"The biggest thing, he (Spurrier) told me is that I have to get the ball farther back (before throwing)," Thompson said.

While Thompson learns patience and a new delivery, it's business as usual for his former high school team. Maryville is unbeaten and ranked No. 1 in Class 4A.

"I expected them to be good but maybe not as good as they have been," Thompson said.