Media And Players React After The ‘Freakiest’ Recruit In The Nation Makes College Decision

The No. 1 “Freak” in the class of 2023 has made his college decision. Five-star athlete Nyckoles Harbor made his pledge to the South Carolina Gamecocks on National Signing Day.

The news is huge for Shane Beamer and Co. as he continues to build a foundation in Columbia. Harbor was one of the most highly touted players in the country, and he’s now the top prospect in South Carolina’s current class.

The 6-foot-5 athlete, who chose the Gamecocks over Oregon, Maryland, and Michigan, could play both sides of the ball at the college level. He’s projected as either an edge rusher or tight end, though he’s given preference to lining up on offense.

At tight end, he’d provide a huge mismatch as he’s been blessed with world class speed. The versatile recruit is an exceptional track athlete who has hopes of one day participating in the Olympics.

Nyckoles Harbor is rated as the nation’s No. 15 player by 24/7 Sports. Here’s more from his recruiting bio.

Verified size with frame to add 10 pounds and play tight end or add as much as 40 pounds and play edge. Has plus length. Possesses world class speed. Ran 100 meters in 10.28 seconds in April 2022 and ran 200 meters in 20.79… Athletic traits are elite.

Will take time to develop regardless of position but can play at high level program. Athletic traits and size make him potential first round NFL draft pick.

Harbor’s incredible size and speed have led to exposure not only on the football circuit but in the track and field world as well. In fact, many were unsure if he’d even pursue a football career due to his desire to become an Olympian.

That deadly combination led college football writer Bruce Feldman to name Harbor the top “Freak” in his annual rankings. He also topped 24/7 Sports’ list of freakiest athletes in the 2023 class.

Nyckoles Harbor is so freaky that he basically “snuck out” of Area 51. Most college football fans have already seen a video or two of the 6-foot-5, 225-pound Harbor blowing past much smaller sprinters on the track. Those runs are without a doubt impressive.

But it’s once you start digging into the actual times that things get even more wild. Harbor not only owns a personal-best 10.21 in the 100-meter dash, but he was able to go 20.79 in the 200-meter dash without starting blocks. Insane.

The five-star commitment sent shockwaves through the college football world. Many in the media are now reacting to the announcement.

A few South Carolina Gamecocks have also chimed in, most notably, head coach Shane Beamer and quarterback Spencer Rattler.

The Gamecocks landed a huge fish in Nyckoles Harbor. We’ll see if he can make an immediate impact in Columbia.

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