Consensus five-star athlete Nyckoles Harbor announced Wednesday that he plans to sign with South Carolina, making him the highest-rated recruit to sign with the Gamecocks since Shane Beamer became head football coach at the end of 2020.
Harbor, who played both defensive end and tight end at Archbishop Carroll High School in Washington, D.C., is ranked as a top-35 player by 247Sports, On3 and Rivals, as well as the top prospect in Washington, D.C., by all three services.
South Carolina was one of five finalists for Harbor, joining Alabama, Michigan, Maryland and Oregon — though it came down to the Ducks and the Gamecocks, according to Brad Crawford of 247Sports.
During his announcement on ESPN's National Signing Day Special, Harbor said comfort level was the deciding factor for him joining the Gamecocks.
"Coach Beamer is building something different there, and I just want to be a part of that," Harbor said. "It feels like I'm right there at home."
Though Harbor is listed as an athlete, he is expected to play tight end at South Carolina, helping to replenish a room that lost Jaheim Bell, Nate Adkins, Austin Stogner and Traevon Kenion since the Clemson victory.
Harbor is the first five star to join the Gamecocks out of high school since Jordan Burch in the spring of 2020 and adds to a recruiting class ranked 16th by 247Composite coming into the day.
In addition to football, Harbor excelled in track during his high school years and says he plans to continue as a two-sport athlete.
"The game plan is, I've been doing it for the last four years, balancing track and football, so that's not the hard part," Harbor said. "They're going to see me on the football field in the fall and the track in the summer and also going to the Olympics."
Twelve out of 23 December signees have already enrolled at South Carolina, including four stars linebacker Grayson "Pup" Howard and quarterback LaNorris Sellers.
Harbor is expected to enroll over the summer alongside the remaining 11 recruits who signed a letter of intent in December.
Editor's note: This is a developing story. Check back for updates.