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- According to numerous sources, one newcomer who has made an impression during South Carolina’s early spring practice sessions is running back Kevin Harris.
I’ve been told that the Georgia product, who of course enrolled early in January, has turned some heads in the early going for his work in the offseason program and how he’s approached spring practice. Ask someone about Harris, and that person is likely to lead with something about either his work ethic or his natural strength. Harris has apparently pushed others on the team with how hard he works, which could help the competition at the running back position no matter how things shake out.
During yesterday’s player availability, two Gamecock players on the offensive side of the ball confirmed what we have been hearing about Harris. I asked sophomore wide receiver Josh Vann to list some players that stood out to him during practice.
“Probably Kevin Harris,” he said. “That’s a big boy. That’s a big dude right there.”
Senior offensive lineman Donell Stanley likewise had praise for Harris.
“Just starting out, watching him lift in the offseason program, he’ s a horse, man,” said Stanley. “We need a guy like that to be able to run the ball and run through people. That’s what we’re trying to get all the running backs to do, help the offensive line and wear down the defense and be able to run the ball more. Kevin’s a good guy, he works hard, he does everything right. Just his body type as a freshman, it’s incredible.”
- Wide receiver OrTre Smith began the spring limited as he continues to recover from the knee injury he had surgically repaired last year. I have not been given a firm timetable on his return, although Will Muschamp has said he would not be cleared until sometime after spring break. The injury and subsequent recovery has been something that cannot be rushed, and I’m told the Gamecock medical and training staff has been very careful with the approach. That said, Smith has been working diligently to get back and seems to be on track to be able to return fully healthy once he’s clear.
- Center/guard Hank Manos has been dealing with an ankle sprain and had a boot on his right foot on Monday. He could be held out a little while as he continues to recover.
- Doubling back to some player comments on Monday, I also asked Donell Stanley about a few other newcomer players on the roster. Here’s what he had to say about freshman offensive tackle Jaylen Nichols.
“He’s got some raw talent. He has good, strong hands and good feet. I expect him to help us in the fall if he stays healthy and keeps coming along. I like what I’ve seen. I watched him in the winter and his work ethic, it’s impressive. We need some guys like that.”
- I also asked Stanley about the new defensive linemen, namely Zacch Pickens and Devontae Davis.
“ You can see the recruiting has changed, Coach Muschamp bringing in top guys. Those guys, just moving them is hard and thats what we need. Fitten and those outside guys are coming along real well too.”
- South Carolina extended an offer on Monday to 2021 defensive end Jahvaree Ritzie out of North Carolina, who is 6-foot-5, 245 pounds. Ritzie told GamecockCentral.com that he was “shocked and honored” by the offer and is already working on making plans for a visit to campus.
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- GNT: No more monkey after Clemson series win | More flipping the roster | Spring football scoop
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