So far the recruiting process is crazy. It gets crazier by the day. I’m getting anywhere from 20 to 30 letters a day and about 15 at school. A total of about 50 a day. I get calls from recruiting websites all hours of the day. Rivals, Scout.com, Gamecocks Central. It’s ridiculous. They want to know how the process is going, the offer situation, what camps am I attending and what unofficial visits I have taken. I am going to the NIKE camp in Gainesville and how the visits have went.
So far I have taken unofficial visits to the University of South Florida, University of Florida, University of South Carolina, Ole Miss and Alabama. USF was the hometown school and I want to make sure I wasn’t missing out on anything. It was pretty good, I enjoyed it and they are in need of a quarterback. I’ve been to Florida about seven or eight times and every time I’ve been there it’s been great. The coaches are a little crazy, but I like them. They know how to recruit. USC was one of the better trips I’ve taken. The only negative thing was it wasn’t a direct flight. Go up to Charlotte and down to Columbia. Other than that, they are an up and coming program and I like them. Actually, two of their recruits (Quinton Richardson – offensive lineman and Gary Gray - cornerback) are going to be coming down in a few weeks and staying with me. Ole Miss was awesome, too. Alabama was awesome. The tradition they have is great. They are renovating their stadium. The tradition just blew me away. Coach Shula is cool and a smart guy. Laid back, but real serious.
Florida, South Carolina, Ole Miss and Alabama are my favorites right now. Anything can happen. I’m still up in the air right now. My main focus is our spring jamboree on May 18. We play Plant. I can’t wait to play to them, I’ve been wanting revenge since last year’s game.
I don’t know what camps I’m going to this summer. I’m hoping to get invited to the Elite 11 Camp, but first will be the Nike Camp.
Right now, I’m looking forward to this season, and help get attention to some of the other players we got on our team that have the opportunity to play D-1 football. We have a very good team this year, and I like our chances at running the table.
Posted by nelson valdes jr, tampa, fla on 05/09 at 08:22 AM
Hey Stephen,
First of all let me congratulate you on your personal success. Having known your family for over thirty five years and knowing the long list of atheletes you come from it certainly is quite an accomplishment. My advice to you is stay true to your family. I know your Dad personally, as well as your uncles Randy, Auggie Jr, Marty and Ernie. I really believe all want the best for you and can certainly assist you in any decision making process you may encounter. But Stephen always remember Mom’s know best so go with Debbie’s opinion. Best of luck,
Nelson Valdes
Posted by Andy Taylor, Brandon, Fl on 05/09 at 08:18 AM
Stephen, I graduated from Riverview HS last year and now attend USF. Its a great place bro. The Bulls are going to have plenty of QBs on the roster next year but I think you are better than just about all of them. GO BULLS!
Posted by Milo, Tampa, FL on 05/09 at 07:30 AM
Stephen,
Stay local, make your mark at USF! Why ride the pine at South Carolina and Florida, when you can be the man for four years at USF. Playing in the New Big East, you’ll get plenty of exposure as the QB that brought glory to the new kid on the block. We’d love to have ya in the green and gold. Be part of the stampede.
Go BULLS!
Posted by Allen Yuhas, Atlanta, GA on 05/09 at 12:47 AM
Stephen,
Congrats on your offers. You sould like a quality football player but more so, you sound like a quality kid!! Would love to see you wearing the Crimson and White at Alabama and helping us win another National Title!! Regardless of where you decide to attend, best of luck to your!!
ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!
Posted by Jeff Olsen, NJ on 05/08 at 03:43 PM
Stephen,
Follow Trent Pupello to Gville!
Posted by Doug Shedd, Jacksonville, Fl on 05/08 at 02:25 PM
Stephen - Thanks for the Blog entries and the updates of what your experience has been like so far. This must be a very exciting time for you.
We, the Gator Nation, would of course love to have you as a leader on the field for us. But whatever you decide you have the best wishes of the Orange & Blue.
Posted by Elliot Garcia, California on 05/08 at 10:47 AM
Play QB for the Gators and you are set for life in the state of Florida… Play QB for the Gamecocks and youre good to live in South Carolina.... where would you rather spend the rest of your life?
Posted by Thomas Greene, Tampa, FL on 05/07 at 06:54 PM
Steven, This is such an awesome and unusual experience for you. Stay focused on what is important: family, friends, an education, and finding a school that feels right for you. Don’t pay any attention to the narrow minded opinions of alumni that wish to live vicariously through you. They will be the first to dump you when times are tough. Best of luck and we look forward to a promising senior year. One day and game and at time. Best of luck.
Posted by Stephen Garcia, Tampa, Florida on 05/07 at 09:59 AM
I just want to say thank you to all of you who have posted a comment on my blog. I really appreciate all the support. I didn’t think this thing would be this popular. It’s pretty amazing! Thank you all for commenting. There will be more blogs and updates just about every couple days or so! Thanks for checking this thing out!
- Stephen Achilles Garcia #5
Posted by Tony, Tampa, Fla. on 05/06 at 12:27 PM
Stephen, I was glad to read that you care about other players on your team getting the opportunity to play college football. Tyler Harden, who joins Jefferson’s team this year from Sickles, has big time potential, just like yourself. Keep up the good work.
Posted by Brad, Newberry, SC on 05/06 at 09:49 AM
Stephen I would like to wish you good luck on the up coming season. I hope u have an outstanding season. Would love for you to become a part of something very special at SOUTH CAROLINA. Hope to see you in Garnet and Black next season.
Posted by Jay Chisholm, Tampa,Fl on 05/06 at 09:26 AM
I must admit you are a good QB, and you are one of the best in the county. I attend Plant High where I was the starting cornerback #10 this past season and I did take part in our victory over you this year it was a great game and you can get your revenge back in the spring and regular season games, but I must say we are a strong team this year again and Marve is alot better thatn he was last year, he’s also hitiing the radar just like you are, so next year will be the battle of the QB’s between you and him. Im going off to college to continue my career I wish you the best of luck with your process and remember....
- Go Panthers! ( LockDown #10)
Posted by steve scholl, Columbia S.C. on 05/05 at 10:53 PM
The University South Carolina fans will always be a fan of Stephen Garcia and hope you will become a part of the Gamecock family.
Posted by Johnnie Kinsey, Hollywood, Florida on 05/05 at 08:50 PM
Stephen, I am looking foward to the 600 mile drives to Columbia in order to see your gamecock team mates and you win an SEC and a national championship. Thanks in advance for the consideration and kind words given to The USC coachs and fan. No matter what your choices may be, i wish you only the best life has to offer.
Johnnie Kinsey
Posted by Larry, Houston, TX on 05/05 at 07:33 PM
Spurrier builds quarterbacks and winners........We want you as a Gamecock.
Good luck.................
Posted by Forensic Cock, Tampa, Florida (Carrollwood) on 05/05 at 07:33 PM
Don’t let these fools tell you who wants you more. Read all the Florida Gator fan posts on your blog.
Posted by George E. Sweat, Eastampton, NJ on 05/05 at 07:01 PM
After watching the films and reading your interviews, what I find just as important as your immense talent is your maturity, self confidence, intelligence, pressure under fire, character, and leadership ability. We would be estatic if you decide to become a member of the GAMECOCK NATION! Steve, you are “DA Man” that can help build a strong foundation that will lead to Championships and will always be remembered as a “Builder” not a “Joiner.” Hope to see you in the Carolina “Garnet and Black!”
Posted by Banks Lee, Manning, S.C. on 05/05 at 05:14 PM
Stephen, what can I say, amazing athlete. I too am a serious gamecock and hope you will take on the challenge of bringing home our first SEC Championship. I hope you and Gary Gray and Quintin Richardson have a great time. Good luck with your season and stay safe.
Posted by Big John L, Lexington SC on 05/05 at 05:05 PM
Can’t wait to see you run out of the tunnel to 2001 playing for the best QB coach in the nation.
Go Cocks!!!
PS: Clemson Sucks
Posted by gaterzfan, Gainesville on 05/05 at 04:58 PM
Goooooooooooooooooo Gators!!!!!
That’s what you want to hear for the 4 seasons you QB the Orange & Blue to consecutive SEC titles.
One of the greatest public universities in the nation, easy city in which to live, much nicer winters than Columbia SC, close to some great beaches, and it’s only a quick 2-hour drive from home.
Posted by Brian, Columbia, SC on 05/05 at 04:51 PM
Stephen, things are gonna be crazy here in Columbia when we win a SEC championship. I hope that you can help us go get it. Good luck in the future. The Gamecock nation is pulling for you.
Posted by Jarrod B., Charlotte, NC on 05/05 at 04:48 PM
Of course, I hope you pick the Gamecocks and really add to the momentum of this future recruiting class. All the other schools mentioned have greater history than SC, but you have the opportunity to make history. It’s your choice and I wish you the best of luck. Call me old fashion, but I like to root for the underdog.
Posted by Calvin Frady, Duncan, SC 29334 on 05/05 at 03:23 PM
Good luck this year. Stay healthy. Look forward to you being a gamecock
Posted by David G, Easley, South Carolina on 05/05 at 03:22 PM
Thank you for coming to the spring game and Hosting Gary G and Quinton R. I hope to see you in the Garnet and Black.
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Posted by David P., Hoover, Alabama on 05/09 at 09:45 AM
SG,
Best of luck next season, I hope you guys win it all. There is something very special being created in Tuscaloosa, Alabama right now, we are on the verge of re-establishing ourselves as the premier program in the SEC and you could be an intricate part of that. Traditionally in the past, when Bama is at full power, we can’t be stopped. Enjoy your senior HS year, as you only get one in life.
Take Care,
David P.