:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46833344/GettyImages-456227574.0.jpg)
Al Harris Jr.
Sophomore
Cornerback
5-11 / 163
Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. (St. Thomas Aquinas)
Recruitment
Al Harris Jr. choose South Carolina over numerous other major offers including Wisconsin, UCLA, Penn State, Louisville and Arkansas. 247 lists Harris as a three-star recruit and the 44th ranked CB in the nation for his class.
College Career
Harris' college career got off to a fast start in 2014 as he started the season opener against Texas A&M as a true freshman, joining Bryson Allen-Williams as the only other true freshman to start a season opener since the debut of Jadeveon Clowney. He went on to start four games last season and saw playing time the majority of the season, making 12 total appearances. By the end of the year, Harris racked up 21 total tackles and three pass break-ups. While he definitely took some time adapting to the speed and physicality of major college football, Harris enjoyed a respectable freshman season and even earned a spot on the All-SEC freshman team.
2015 Outlook
Harris is currently listed behind junior Rico McWilliams as a second string cornerback on the preseason depth chart, but is sure to see plenty of action on the field this season. Look for a stronger and more physical style to his play as he brings with him the experience he gained as a true freshman. It'll be interesting to see just how much he blossoms in his second year with the Gamecocks given he's got the blood, and possibly talent, of an NFL defender from his dad Al Harris Sr.
Trivia
In a somewhat related matter, Al Harris Sr. played 14 seasons in the NFL, the majority of which with the Green Bay Packers. Now retired, he hasn't missed the game too much as he's on the coaching staff for the Kansas City Chiefs.