As a Gamecock fan when I hear the name Jarvis Giles I immediately
think back to late 2008 and the recruiting buzz surrounding the 4 star RB from
Tampa. Giles was rated as one of the best Running Backs in the country according
to most publications. He gave an initial
verbal commitment to Tennessee and from all of the chatter it seemed as if that
is where he'd be playing football.
Then, the news began circulating that the Vols head coach
Phillip Fulmer was forced to resign.
Giles soon began to rethink his decision. He then decided to take an official visit to
South Carolina in November of the same year. The buzz reached new heights at this point,
Gamecocks fans knew we had a shot to land Giles. Soon after his official visit,
Giles decided to de-commit from Tennessee and become a Gamecock. He would also be an early enrollee and would
be able to come in and immediately begin working to compete for playing time. Jarvis recalled one of the main reasons he decided
to choose South Carolina, “It was close to home and I wanted my family to be
able to come see me play”.
Giles came in and competed right away and played as a
freshman. He rushed for nearly 300 yards
and at times showed flashes of his cutting ability and speed but was still
learning how to play the position at the collegiate level. Giles had hopes of getting more playing time
the next season with a little off season work.
The next season Marcus Lattimore came bursting into the
scene taking Gamecock Nation by storm and quickly became one of the best backs
in the SEC and Country and with the overall depth at the position, getting any consistent playing
time would be a difficult task.
Jarvis made his decision to transfer from South Carolina in
2010. When asked about the advice
Spurrier gave him and what led to his ultimate decision to transfer, “He
wished me the best of luck. There was a coaching change at my position, things slowly began to fade for me so I
decided to make the best move for me and my family.”
No matter how Gamecock fans remember his time
at South Carolina, you can never fault him for choosing to transfer. “South
Carolina was great, some of the best moments in my life and I will always
remember those days," Giles said.
He was granted a full release from the
University.
Giles chose to join Charlie Strong and become a Louisville
Cardinal but would have to sit out in 2011 and not become eligible to play
until the 2012 season. During this time
Jarvis had a lot of personal issues arise including the death of his
Grandmother and the birth of his son.
Before ever playing a down at Louisville he put his football career on
hold and went back down to Florida to focus on his family. “It was a time when
a lot was going and I knew my family needed me," Giles said.
As we approach the 2013 season of college football Jarvis
Giles has two years of eligibility left and is getting a new opportunity to play
college football. Now that his personal
issues have been resolved he’s ready for a fresh start. What better way for a truly fresh start than
to play in the inaugural season of a school? He will be playing for the Florida
Tech Panthers, a D2 school in Melbourne, FL. The city is getting a lot hype for
the first year of football at the school. “It’s big! The whole city is excited.
Everyone just can’t wait for the season to start," Giles said. We asked him what’s different about him now compared
to his freshman year at Carolina? “I feel like I’m just more mature when it
comes to the game of football. I have more understanding and knowledge about
the game. I can’t necessarily say I regret leaving because it made me who I am
today, a better person. I miss the fans and wish the best for each and
everyone.”
We also wish the best for you Jarvis.
Charlie Drafts
The second game of the season he will be back in South Carolina as they face Newberry.
More info on the team and schedule can be found at: http://www.floridatechsports.com/football/default/
Follow Jarvis Giles on Twitter: @J_G_813
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