It’s official: Gamecocks rusher Kevin Harris announces his NFL plans
South Carolina junior running back Kevin Harris wasted little time making his NFL decision.
Just hours after the Gamecocks defeated North Carolina 38-21 in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl on Thursday, Harris announced he would declare for the 2022 NFL Draft. Harris made the announcement in a tweet.
“After much thought and prayer, I have made the decision to declare for the 2022 NFL Draft! I am excited for this next chapter in my life,” he posted to social media.
Harris had his best performance of the 2021 season against the Tar Heels, totaling 182 yards on 31 carries with a touchdown.
In his statement posted to Twitter, Harris, a native of Hinesville, Georgia, thanked his family, USC coaches, teammates and fans. Harris thanked his coaches past — Will Muschamp, Des Kitchings and Thomas Brown — and present, Shane Beamer and Montario Hardesty.
Harris, who was a junior, spent three years at South Carolina. He broke out in 2020, when he finished the year as the SEC’s leading rusher with 1,138 yards on 185 carries for 15 touchdowns. He was much more muted in 2021, finishing the year with 478 yards on 121 carries with three touchdowns.
“This season we showed what hard work and determination can bring, and the time we shared has left a lasting impression on me,” he posted Thursday.
Harris’ decision makes him the second USC running back to opt for the NFL after the season. ZaQuandre White didn’t play in the bowl game after declaring for the league after the regular season concluded.
“I cannot go without thanking my teammates, my brothers. I will cherish the memories we made, both on and off the field, through the ups and down. If it wasn’t for every single one of you, I would not be where I am at today. Our bond can never be broken.
“Gamecock Nation, thank you for making playing under the lights in Willy B nothing less than amazing. My experience in Columbia as a Gamecock will be unforgettable, but I will forever bleed garnet and black.”
This story was originally published December 30, 2021 at 4:47 PM with the headline "It’s official: Gamecocks rusher Kevin Harris announces his NFL plans."
