South Carolina football: Kevin Harris looking to be next 1,000 yard rusher

THIS SEASON

Entering the year, most expected incoming freshman MarShawn Lloyd to take the reins as South Carolina’s starting running back. An offseason ACL tear cost him his season and a chance to line up as the lead back.

Kevin Harris capitalized on that unfortunate injury, beating out third-year rusher Deshaun Fenwick and transfer tailback ZaQuandre White for the starting job. When opening day rolled around, Harris took the first snap and went on to run for 55 yards and a score against Tennessee.

The following week, his production increased, as he tallied his first 100-yard outing of the year. He’d put a stranglehold on the starting position with a 171 yard performance in week three versus Vanderbilt.

Harris has totaled more than 80 yards on the ground in each of his last four contests, and he’s broken off runs of 45, 49, and 88 yards despite not being considered a “burner” with the ball in his hands. He also had a 75-yard score wiped out against Auburn by a phantom holding call, which could’ve boosted him into the league lead for rushing yards.

How has Harris been able to sustain this success? There are two reasons, really. First, he’s got great vision and patience, running behind blockers and allowing plays to develop before picking his rushing lane.

Second, he’s extremely hard to bring to the ground.

According to SEC StatCat, Harris has broken the seventh-most tackles in the SEC, and he’s turned those broken tackles into nearly 200 yards after contact, good for fifth-most in the league.

What’s most impressive is that Harris is having this type of year while facing only SEC defenses. He’s taken on front sevens from Tennessee, Florida, Vanderbilt, Auburn, and LSU, and he’s had success against each.

So, what can we expect from Harris in the second half of the year?