Justin Stepp pleased with progress of South Carolina freshman receivers

Heading into the 2023 campaign, South Carolina has a lot to look forward to at the wide receiver position.

South Carolina returns Juice Wells, an All-SEC First Team wideout last year, as the Gamecocks’ No. 1 pass-catching target. With four years of college football experience under his belt, Ahmarean Brown will serve as a veteran leader in the locker room.

And Xavier Legette is looking to showcase the explosiveness that has always been a part of his game.

This season, there could also be a youth movement of sorts at the position, with many freshman and second-year players earning playing time and making important on-field contributions. Among those receivers are Nyckoles Harbor and Elijah Caldwell, two South Carolina newcomers who received praise from wide receivers coach Justin Stepp for their work in the offseason.

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“All those freshmen got better over the summer,” Stepp told GamecockCentral. “(Caldwell), Nyck Harbor and Tyshawn Russell–over the last two weeks–are doing a good job of coming along.”

Harbor, a five-star prospect, has generated the most buzz in a 2023 recruiting class that ranked seventh in the SEC and No. 16 nationwide, according to the On3 Industry Team Ranking.

His offensive production in high school came at tight end, where he totaled 729 yards and 10 touchdowns on 31 receptions over his final two seasons.

He has since transitioned to wide receiver and figures to contribute there in the fall. The Gamecock coaching staff has made it clear that Harbor’s work rate will ultimately dictate his role on offense.

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“We’ve told him you’re going to have to earn everything you get around here,” Stepp said.  “Coach Loggains was telling him the other day, ‘You ain’t got stars around your name anymore.’ And he’s like ‘Oh, I know that.’”

Stepp said Harbor’s work ethic and physical attributes have shown since his first day of practice.

“Nyck shows up every day and works hard. He comes back and does extra stuff,” Stepp said. “He’s incredibly smart and freakishly athletic. To me, as big as he is, it’s unbelievable.”

While Caldwell has received less fanfare, he has the potential to be an impact performer as well. A three-star recruit from Rock Hill, South Carolina, he was a prolific pass-catcher during his senior season. He caught 77 passes for 1,365 yards, scoring 20 touchdowns in the process.

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Stepp described Caldwell as a player who is more reserved, but willing to put in work and learn each day.

“He’s smart. He does extra work. He’s always asking me how he can get better. He asks a ton of questions. Another quiet kid, but a guy who always does more than what’s expected,” Stepp said. “I’m so glad we got Elijah. He’s an unbelievable kid and a really good player too.”

He added that Caldwell could line up both outside and in the slot during the regular season.

“In our offense, man, I’m telling you, with Coach Loggains, we’ll put guys everywhere,” Stepps said. “You have to know concepts.”

Overall, Stepp said the wide receiver room was in a good place with less than one week before South Carolina’s first practice.

“I think we’ve had a really good offseason. I was telling somebody the other day, we’ve done more to prepare our guys for football in the summer – from June to July – than I’ve ever done before in my career,” Stepp said. “There’s a lot of depth and competition, which is the best thing for me.”

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