Byrnes High School’s football program has produced some of the Palmetto State’s top players for years. Since 1999, more than 20 players from the school located in Duncan, S.C., have gone on to play for Power Five programs.
Clemson and South Carolina have each tapped into the talent at the in-state powerhouse. In 2007, Clemson signed former Byrnes standouts Willy Korn, Xavier Dye, Stanley Hunter and Chad Diehl. More recently, South Carolina inked Marcus Lattimore (2010), Nick Jones (2010) and Chavis Dawkins (2016).
The latest emerging power conference prospect from Byrnes looks to be rising sophomore running back Rahjai Harris.
Harris (5-11, 170) is drawing early interest from the Tigers and Gamecocks, and earlier this month, he visited Clemson for the Dabo Swinney Camp.
“I enjoyed Clemson very much,” he told TCI. “Very great place for your career. I really enjoyed how the coaches kept me up and taught me new things.”
Before entering high school, Harris was clocked at a 22.1-second time in the 200-meter dash.
The speedster worked with Clemson running backs coach Tony Elliott in the top group of backs at the Swinney Camp.
“He coached me up on a lot of things,” Harris said. “The number one was don’t rush anything, and to come to balance when you’re blocking.”
The camp visit was Harris’s second to Clemson, as he also attended the Tigers’ spring game in 2016.
“It had me pumped like I was fixing to play,” he recalled of the atmosphere, laughing.
Living less than two hours away from Clemson and South Carolina, Harris said he grew up rooting for both schools.
When it comes to Clemson, the fact he feels cared for there stands out.
“That they really care,” he said. “It’s crazy how much they care about their students.”
As a freshman last season, Harris ran for 721 yards and eight touchdowns while averaging 6.5 yards per carry.
Hot off the Press!!! Have you ordered the 2017 Clemson season preview ‘Best is the Standard’ from the staff that covers Clemson football 365 days a year? Order yours today to make sure you get a copy!
