Quarterback Jake Garcia was committed to USC for 14 months before signing a National Letter of Intent with the Miami Hurricanes in December 2020 in the Class of 2021. Garcia has shined this spring while the two quarterbacks USC signed in the Class of 2021 were less than impressive in the Trojans Spring Showcase.
Garcia completed 19 passes in 25 attempts for 255 yards and two touchdowns in the Miami Hurricanes Spring Game on April 17. Miller Moss committed to USC in May 2020 with the knowledge of Garcia before it went public. Garcia de-committed from the Trojans following the commitment of Jaxson Dart.
Garcia reportedly was not happy with the decision by USC to go after a third QB in their 2021 signing class. Playing for the gold team in their Spring Showcase, Moss was 7-13 for 34 yards. Dart played for the cardinal team and was 7-13 for 99 yards and a TD. Garcia more than exceeded the stats put up by Dart and Moss combined.
Garcia received more playing time than Dart or Garcia with Miami starting QB D’Eriq King out while rehabbing from a torn ACL suffered in December. USC starting QB Kedon Slovis who is entering his third season with the Trojans was 8-12 for 128 yards. Garcia showed accuracy and the ability to push the ball downfield.
The longest completion for Dart was 30 yards. Moss had a long completion of just eight yards. Garcia averaged more yards per attempt than Moss had as a long completion. Teams and players frequently do not land their first choice. In the case of Garcia and Miami, their long-term match will likely be looked back as beneficial.
Garcia and freshman Tyler Van Dyke both provided a positive glimpse of the future for Miami at QB after King leaves following the 2021 season. Peyton Matocha adds depth and the Hurricanes have a commitment from 2022 QB Jacurri Brown. Miami has upgraded the QB room in their recruiting classes from 2020-22.