2023 defensive back Luis Garcia Jr. was among a large contingent of recruits on hand to watch Syracuse’s game against Notre Dame on Saturday and enjoyed his ‘crazy’ experience, he said in an interview with The Juice Online.
“I thought the atmosphere was crazy,” Garcia said. “My ears were still ringing after the game. It was wild. You can tell the amount of love Cuse fans have for their team. I think as of right now that was the loudest stadium I’ve been in so far.”
Even though Syracuse ultimately lost to Notre Dame, 41-24, Garcia took away several positives from the game, including from his natural position in the secondary.
I’ll be at the Dome for Saturdays game vs Notre Dame! Thanks @CoachNJ_Monroe for the invite! @CoachAhmadCuse @Commit2Cuse @CuseCoachTW @JoeMento pic.twitter.com/x6Oy9xMIrc
— Luis Garcia Jr (@LuisGarciaJr6) October 27, 2022
“I got to watch Syracuse’s defensive backs, which I think are some of the best in college football,” Garcia said. “They played a great game.”
Though the Orange lost cornerback Garrett Williams to a lower body injury midway through the game, Garcia still raved about Williams, who is widely considered an NFL prospect.
“That guy’s special, for real,” Garcia said. “I think the defense played pretty well throughout most of the game to at least give the team a chance to stay in the game or possibility tie it up.”
The loss was just SU’s second on the season, and it dropped them to No. 22 in the rankings. Still, the Orange’s success has impressed Garcia.
“I think they’re a great team and they had a couple bad plays here and there,” Garlic said. “I think the coaching staff is great as well and overall I loved my visit a lot.”
» Related: 2024 DB Donovan Philord enjoys visit, calls Syracuse a ‘favorite’
Garcia, a captain at Kennedy Catholic, has been matched up with opposing team’s No. 1 receiver all season and has played a key role in helping his team to the playoffs. So far, he’s logged 17 tackles and two interceptions, while also appearing as a wide receiver.
“Hoped for a better regular season, but now it’s November, and it’s time for everybody to show up and make a playoff run,” Garcia said. “My team’s had a roller coaster of a season. I think there was definitely a couple of close ones that we should’ve came out on top.”
Still, his performances have drawn the interest of Rutgers, Temple, UConn and Syracuse, among others.
After the visit, the Orange stands at or near the top of Garcia’s list.
“Right now I really think (Syracuse is) right up there with Rutgers for me,” Garcia said. “Kind of like a 1a, 1b type thing. It’s really between those two and I love both schools. So we’re just going to have to wait and see what happens throughout these next 2-3 months to see where I’ll end up for the next 3-4 years.”
For more Syracuse coverage, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and listen to our podcast.
