Amarillo High receiver Jameson Garcia commits to University of Incarnate Word
The past two years have been pretty special for the University of Incarnate Word football team.
Former head coach Eric Morris led them to a 10-3 record and a second-round playoff appearance before taking the offensive coordinator position at Washington State in 2021. He was recently hired as the head coach at North Texas University.
This year, new head coach G.J. Kinne led UIW to a 12-2 record and a semifinals appearance before accepting the head coach position at Texas State University.
Now, Clint Killough will move from assistant head coach/wide receivers coach to head coach with the hope of continuing the Cardinals astonishing rise.
On Saturday afternoon, he took his first step toward showing that he can help the Cards continue to beat the odds when he snagged the top uncommitted player in the Texas Panhandle.
Jameson Garcia, a wide receiver for Amarillo High, verbally commitment to the University of Incarnate Word on Saturday, announcing via Twitter.
"ALL GLORY TO GOD!" Garcia Tweeted. "I'm so blessed to be able to continue my football career. This has been such a long, overwhelming process full of blessings and challenges. I want to thank every single coach that (has helped) mold me into the person/player I am today. My family has made countless sacrifices to help me get where I am today. I'm forever grateful for their love in support!
"I will always cherish the memories I have with my teammates and friends since I was a kid. The love in support I'll never forget. This has always been a dream of mine and I am so blessed and excited to announce I am committed to the University of Incarnate Word to continue my academic and athletic career. Thank you to everyone who continues to support me. I hope to make y'all proud...this is just the start #theword."
To say that Garcia's announcement was a bit surprising would be an understatement. The senior held 10 offers, including eight from FBS schools. He could've followed Kinne to Texas State. He could've gone to San Antonio anyway and played for UTSA. He could've gone to the place Morris just left as Washington State, a Power Five team, offered him a scholarship.
In the end, it was Killough and the Cardinals that won Garcia's services. That speaks volumes as to what's been happening in San Antonio. The Cards averaged 51.7 points per game on offense, threw the ball 498 times and amassed 62 touchdown passes last season. Ten different receivers caught touchdowns with two hauling in 15 or more and another three that nabbed six each.
COMMITED. UIW LETS RIDE #theword @Coach_Killough pic.twitter.com/RtImATfYS0
— Jameson Garcia (@_JamesonGarcia_) December 17, 2022
So, you can understand why Garcia was interested.
He finished his career with 2,400 career receiving yards and 33 touchdowns. Garcia led AHS in receiving this year with 46 catches for 743 yards and eight scores. With the receiver coach that helped recruit him moving into the role of the team leader, Garcia will already be familiar with the man in charge.
Now, he'll look to keep the good times rolling in San Antonio.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo High receiver Jameson Garcia commits to University of Incarnate Word
