South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer speaks on Nyck Harbor's track and field decision
On Saturday, South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer was in Colonial Life Arena as the Gamecock men’s basketball team took on the Mississippi State Bulldogs (a heartbreaking overtime loss following a late-game comeback). During halftime, Beamer and the 2024 team were recognized, and the head Gamecock introduced USC fans to his team’s newcomers. Signees from the high school ranks and the transfer portal were present.
With Beamer in the building, the media had the opportunity to speak with the Gamecock headman. After answering several questions about his recent big-money extension and the plans for the team’s spring practice and spring game, one of the topics of conversation was wide receiver Nyck Harbor.
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Earlier this week, there was talk around Columbia that Harbor planned to skip the indoor track season. On Saturday, Beamer confirmed that to GamecockCentral and the rest of the media present.
The South Carolina football leader said, “[Harbor] is solely focusing on football right now. And that was Nyck’s decision. That was something that he talked to us about…I think he realized that though he did a lot of really good things in track last year, but missing spring practice—I don’t want to say ‘set him back’—but it was more of a challenge to be ready for the season.” Beamer added that Harbor expressed a desire to “really focus on football.”
When asked specifically about Harbor’s plans for the outdoor track season later in the spring, Beamer was noncommittal. He replied, “I don’t know” to the question; however, it is worth noting that the outdoor track season would present scheduling conflicts with spring practice, too.
The Gamecock coaching staff is excited about Harbor’s development and the signs he showed near the end of the 2024 season. Beamer reflected, “He certainly played really well. He made some big plays as the year went on, got better as the year went on. There’s no question about it. I think he realizes he has a big upside, a big future in football if he can continue to progress.”
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Last season, Harbor posted a stat line of 26 receptions, 376 yards, and three touchdowns. He finished strong, though, as he logged 15 catches, 272 yards, and two touchdowns in his final five games. He also looked much more comfortable as a pass-catcher and route-runner down the stretch. Even his blocking improved.
Harbor was a two-event All-American during last spring’s outdoor track and field season. However, he did not pursue the 2024 Olympics despite qualifying for the Olympic Trials in the 200-meter.
While the 6’5″, 235-pound athlete hasn’t revealed his plans for the outdoor track season, he will be around the South Carolina football program more this spring than last when he participated in both the indoor and outdoor seasons.
With that extra time, Harbor is optimistic he can take the next step in his development. He told GamecockCentral’s Wes Mitchell during a sitdown on the Gamecock Club Hour on 107.5 The Game this week that he feels good about translating his late-2024 success into 2025 results. Harbor said, “Just that momentum and confidence you have from last season, you just bring it into this year. So I can just keep striving and go try to get 1,000 yards this year.”
