Garcia hoping for walk-on chance at USF

Having declined a scholarship offer from Division I-AA Charleston Southern, Durant linebacker Ruben Garcia is focusing on a possible walk-on opportunity at USF.

Garcia, the Cougars' second-leading tackler and an honorable mention on the Times' all-county team last season, said Sunday evening a chance to join the Bulls in a non-scholarship capacity is possible.

"Right now they said that could happen, but I have to wait for signing day (Feb. 3) to pass," Garcia said. "After they make sure their commitments sign they're going to try to get me on as a preferred walk-on."

Garcia, a catcher for the Cougars baseball team, said he's also holding out hope of earning a scholarship offer in that sport, hence the reason he could wait until later this year before signing.

A three-year starter for Durant, Garcia (6-foot-1, 225 pounds) visited Charleston Southern and was scheduled to make a trip to Florida Atlantic before the coach who recruited him was dismissed.

"(Charleston Southern) just didn't fit me," Garcia said. "I couldn't see myself there."

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Players in post

• Ruben Garcia

Teams in post

• Durant High School