Craig Garr knelt on the Evans High football practice field last Thursday, a gray Knights practice shirt helping him blend with the rest of the team as it prepared for Friday's opener with rival Greenbrier.
Garr, a defensive end, had been told that morning that his hardship transfer had been approved by the Georgia High School Athletic Association. He was cleared to play in Friday's game.
"I was happy," Garr said. "I've been waiting and praying for this."
A year ago, the junior was practicing with the Glenn Hills Spartans. In May of this year, a week before school let out for the summer, Garr's mother suffered a series of strokes.
Lorraine Suber remains in a coma at University Hospital, Garr said. After his mother was hospitalized, Garr moved in with his grandparents in Evans.
Garr had been allowed to practice with the Knights and participate in scrimmages, but needed approval of his hardship transfer request to play in games.
After learning Garr would be coming over, Evans coach Marty Jackson pulled the film from the Knights' game with Glenn Hills last season. Among the first plays he watched was Garr buckling an Evans lineman and making a play on the ball.
Garr has shown Evans coaches similar drive. Jackson said Garr was similar in makeup to former Knights end Reuben Faloughi, who now is a preferred walk-on at the University of Georgia.
"He's fit in like he's been here all along," Jackson said.
Jackson hesitated to plug Garr into too many positions while waiting to see if he would be eligible. But Garr got on the field early against the Wolfpack.
On Greenbrier's first possession of the second quarter, Garr rushed from his spot at left end and blindsided Wolfpack quarterback Scott Reeder for his first sack as a Knight. Another time, Garr chased down Reeder as the quarterback threw the ball away.
"I wanted more," Garr said. "But hey, we came up with a win."
Garr also played offense at Glenn Hills, seeing some time at tight end. Jackson said he could see Garr's potential as an offensive player, but the Knights were set on that side of the ball.
Garr said his first priority at Evans is academics; he receives extra tutoring.
Garr has been fairly quiet regarding his situation away from school, but said his Knights teammates and coaches have made him feel welcome.
"They're like a family," he said. "I got a lot of support."
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