USC football commit, Garcia, officially ineligible for senior season
VALDOSTA, Ga. (BVM) — University of Southern California quarterback commit Jake Garcia already has his future cemented. As the No. 18 football recruit in the nation according to ESPN, the 6-foot-2 pass-thrower will be a key cog for the Trojans.
To keep prepared for that opportunity, he wanted to play football his senior year. However, his native California decided to postpone the high school season until December, ending his senior year. So to remain well-oiled and practicing in a system similar to USC’s, Garcia decided to transfer.
He identified coach Rush Propst and Valdosta High School as the dream fit, and his family had a master plan.
According to Georgia High School Association guidelines, a transfer must “move simultaneously with the entire parental unit or persons he/she resided with at the former school.” For Garcia’s retired dad Randy, no problem. For Garcia’s working mom Yvonne, big problem. She needed to remain in California for work.
However, the Garcia’s found a loophole and made the ultimate sacrifice. Randy and Yvonne dissolved their marriage, with official court records. That way, Jake and Randy could move to Valdosta with Randy being “the entire parental unit”, while Yvonne remained in California to work.
After Jake Garcia’s senior season, they will reunite in marriage.
The arrangement worked, but only for a little while. Garcia started the Wildcats opening night game, leading the team to a 28-25 win while throwing for 339 yards and two touchdowns. He missed the next two weeks with what coach Propst identified as a hamstring injury.
And now, he’ll be out indefinitely.
GHSA has ruled Valdosta QB Jake Garcia ineligible to play. Valdosta has filed an appeal to the ruling. #GHSA #HSFB
— The Chick-fil-A Football Friday Night Radio Show (@SoGaFootball) September 29, 2020
The GHSA launched an investigation regarding Garcia’s transfer situation, ultimately deciding that the “entire parental unit” did not make the cross-country move from California. Therefore, Garcia has been deemed ineligible by the GHSA.
Valdosta High has filed for an appeal to the GHSA board, hoping they’ll reverse their decision. There is no word on when the board will revisit this case. This would be a big loss for both the Wildcats and Garcia if they decide that the ruling stands.
The future-Trojan has taken to Twitter where he has started a petition directed at the GHSA board, hoping to garner a lot of support.
I’ve been ruled ineligible this week.. please sign & share this petition to the appeal board‼️ thank you for your support https://t.co/2aUjoNVKHy pic.twitter.com/xgmSGsRuvA
— Jake Garcia (@JakeGarcia14) September 30, 2020
For now, the Wildcats will prepare for life without the standout QB. Coach Propst, both legendary and notorious, will have the team fully prepared regardless of who is taking the field each week.
