Nyck Harbor focusing on USC football over track? Here’s what Shane Beamer said about it

It seems Nyck Harbor is focusing on football.

The South Carolina wide receiver rose to national prominence last year, in large part because of what he did off the football field. While running track for USC, Harbor was sensational — a 6-foot-5, 235-pounder who ran the 100m in just over 10 seconds and was so dominant in the 200m that he qualified for the Olympic Trials.

It seems Harbor might be done with track for now.

South Carolina coach Shane Beamer told reporters Saturday that Harbor will not participate during the indoor track season that is happening now. Beamer added that he didn’t know Harbor’s status for the outdoor track season, but there would certainly be conflict with football considering football spring practice begins on March 19 and the outdoor track season starts on March 21.

“Right now he’s wanting to focus on spring practice and football and developing there,” Beamer said. “That’s kind of where we are right now.”

Harbor arrived at South Carolina as this heralded five-star prospect but didn’t find his footing immediately, catching just 12 passes for 196 yards and a score as a true freshman.

But midway through the 2024 season, Harbor became one of quarterback LaNorris Sellers’ favorite and most-reliable targets. In the final seven games of the season — including the Citrus Bowl loss to Illinois — Harbor reeled in 19 passes for 325 yards and three touchdowns.

Beamer noted that Harbor’s play down the stretch contributed to his decision to focus more on football.

“Certainly he played really well and made some big plays and got better as the year went on,” Beamer said. “I think he realizes he has a big upside, big future in football if he can continue to progress.

“But he also understands there’s a small window of time before your college career is over,” Beamer continued, “and he wants to capitalize on that.”