South Carolina football fans did not get to see Nyck Harbor on Saturday night during the Garnet and Black Spring Game, but it wasn't for a lack of desire. The rising sophomore receiver had a track meet earlier in the day, so Gamecock head coach Shane Beamer had him sit out the spring game to preserve his health as he makes a run at the Olympics later this summer.
The South Carolina track and field team hosted the USC Outdoor Open on Saturday, and Harbor had a nice showing.
In the meet, Harbor was a blur on the track, tying his personal best time in the 200-meter sprint. Harbor ran a 20.38, which was good for the 2nd-best time in the competition (1st among college runners) behind only world champion Matthew Boling.
He also ran a personal best in the 100-meter sprint, clocking an absurd 10.12. It was good for the 9th-best time in all of collegiate track and field during the spring outdoor season and the 3rd-fastest 100-meter time in Gamecock history.
The 6'5", 240-pound Harbor is a freak of nature. By far the biggest runner competing for elite NCAA times on the track this season, he hopes to translate his success from the spring into the fall with the football program. The Gamecocks have a desperate need for size at the receiver position, and based on the spring game and reports from spring practice, they will need Harbor to serve as a potential over-the-top threat, as well, as the offense hasn't taken many designed shots downfield.
Harbor and part-time quarterback Luke Doty are the two top returning receivers from last year's roster (Doty led all returning wideouts in catches, Harbor led in yards), and three transfers (Jared Brown, Gage Larvadain, and Ahmari Huggins-Bruce) and two freshmen (Mazeo Bennett and Debron Gatling) are all likely to get a chance to help out the receiver room this fall. Only Harbor and the tight ends on the roster are taller than 6'1" and appear set to receive much playing time in the offense.