South Carolina football: finding positives in a season of struggles

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Nov 14, 2020; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver Shi Smith (13) catches a touchdown pass against Mississippi Rebels defensive back Keidron Smith (20) during the first half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

Kevin Harris eclipses 1,000 yards

Running back Kevin Harris entered the year in a reserve role, seemingly behind incoming freshman Marshawn Lloyd and fellow sophomore Deshaun Fenwick. Lloyd would go down with an offseason injury, and Harris would end up winning the running back race leading up to the season opener.

The Georgia native would make his first start in the season opener, rushing for 55 yards and a score. Harris would build upon that performance, taking a stranglehold on the open spot in the backfield, and making the most of his opportunity.

The sophomore ran for 1,138 yards and 15 touchdowns, leading the league in rushing, and setting a school record for yards per carry (6.2 ypc). Harris recorded two 200-yard games, including in the season’s final matchup, becoming the program’s first player to ever lead the SEC in rushing yards.

Shi Smith leads the way at WR

Smith was the only reliable option for the Gamecocks, hauling in 57 catches for 633 yards and four touchdowns. He ranks third in the conference in receptions despite missing two games with a concussion and drawing double teams from opposing secondaries.

His top game came in the season opener versus Tennessee, where he caught 10 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown. The senior ends his career with the fourth most catches in program history, and the eighth most receiving yards. He will now take his talents to the next level, where he projects to be a late round selection in the upcoming NFL Draft.

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