South Carolina Football: 10 observations from fall practice so far

South Carolina Football’s Fall Camp Observations:
5-star Nyck Harbor is a special talent, but he needs some time to learn to play receiver at the college level.

There is no player in college football quite like Nyck Harbor. The former 5-star prospect is 6’5″ and weighs over 240 pounds while also having realistic Olympic sprinting dreams. Expected primarily to play wide receiver, Harbor is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses as there are simply not many humans on the planet who can match both his size and speed.

However, the Washington DC native is new to the receiver position. He is also a true freshman who has never played a down of college football or been in a college weight room until a few weeks ago. He will have an adjustment period before being comfortable and able to play at his full potential. Thankfully for Gamecock fans, he is so talented that he likely can contribute anyway.

Early reports out of fall camp have been mixed on Harbor’s production so far. He has beaten the defense over the top a handful of times, but he has also struggled to get into his routes against press coverage or when multiple defenders impede his progress.

Harbor hasn’t gotten many reps alongside USC’s top pass catchers, either. Both Juice Wells and Trey Knox have missed some time with minor injuries this fall.

South Carolina football fans have many reasons to be excited about Nyck Harbor, but they need to temper their expectations and give the inexperienced young receiver some time to adjust to playing a new position at a new level.