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Gamecocks in the NFL: Friday's three stars

UVA BIO PICby:Mike Uva•08/27/22•

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(John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

With the NFL preseason wrapping up this weekend, nearly a dozen former South Carolina Gamecocks are on the bubble to make teams.

That of course doesn’t include players who are locks like Jaycee Horn, Deebo Samuel, etc. You get you the picture.

On Friday night, many of those players who are itching to make the 53-man roster showed out with impressive games. Here’s a look at three performances that stood out to me.

1 – Shi Smith

If you were following my coverage of Panthers – Patriots joint practices last week in New England you already know that Smith had gained some positive momentum. His routes looked crisp in practices against the Pats and he was catching almost everything thrown his way. He carried that momentum back to the Carolinas last night.

The second-year wideout caught three passes for 32 yards and a touchdown.

“Shi’s a young player who continues to improve with each game and each rep he has” said Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield following Friday night’s game. “He’s extremely explosive. He has so much potential and I think we’re just tapping into it. I think he’s realizing how much potential he really has. He’s a guy that’s gonna be vital for this offense, a key part of it. We’re continuing to have him grow in the system and see what he can do.”

2 – Israel Mukuamu

These past few weeks Mukuamu has looked like the Mukuamu in the 2019 Georgia game. For a second straight week, the second-year defensive back had an interception. It’s not just luck because he’s been doing it in practice as well. A week prior during joint practices Mukuamu also had an interception against the LA Chargers.

Based on reports out of Dallas, Mukuamu has all but cemented himself a spot on the Cowboys 53-man roster with his consistently high play this preseason. He’s been seeing the majority of his playing time at safety.

3 – Kevin Harris

Let’s just get it out of the way. We’re not used to seeing it since he only fumbled the ball once in 358 carries at South Carolina but Harris’ night ended with a fumble. The reason I say this first is because I think in the long run it’ll be good for him. Harris is the type of player who when he makes a mistake he corrects it and you typically won’t see it again from him.

Despite that late fumble, Harris looked strong last night. He looked like “The Bus” we knew him to be in the 2020 season that earned him the SEC rushing title as well as the stud back in last year’s Duke’s Mayo Bowl.

On his first carry, Harris broke a few tackles and rushed for 33 yards. On his next play, he bulldozed his way into the end zone from three yards out. Unfortunately, that touchdown was called back for holding. Big picture though, when you’re talking about the preseason for a guy like Harris it’s more about putting good tape out there like that than the actual result. On the ensuing drive he ripped off an 11-yard run and he grabbed the attention of Patriots color commentator and former New England quarterback Scott Zolak. Harris finished the night with a team-high 54 yards on four carries.

Speaking with sources close with the team, even before last night, they felt Harris should make the 53-man roster. The big reason why? He’s been making a big impact on special teams. Despite last night’s late fumble those same sources told me they feel overall this Gamecocks’ stock went up.

What’s Next?

NFL teams will need to trim their rosters down to 53 by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday Aug. 30. There’s still some NFL preseason games today and tomorrow but don’t be shocked to see teams start cutting guys before Tuesday.

Once rosters are cutdown to 53 I’ll have an updated list of former Gamecocks in the NFL.

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