Aiden and Andrew Harris didn’t need much time to decide where they wanted to play college football. The identical twins made the choice the same way they’ve handled most of life: together.
That’s why both ended up at South Carolina, where they enrolled in January and went through spring practice with Shane Beamer’s program. Now, as the Gamecocks work through their first preseason camp, the brothers are leaning on the same bond that has carried them from home to Columbia.
“We could’ve split paths and went anywhere but [didn’t], knowing the class and the people that we helped recruit,” Aiden Harris told The State at USC’s media day Aug. 6.
“…Having a linebacker as a brother, it’s a blessing. We can go over the calls whenever we want.”
The Harris twins were standout players at Weddington High School in Charlotte. Aiden arrived in Columbia as a four-star recruit and will play defensive line. Andrew came in as a three-star recruit and will line up at linebacker.
South Carolina defensive coordinator Clayton White has already seen plenty to like.
“They’re big kids,” White said. “They’re fun to be around.
They’re smiling more. I do believe that those guys are great football players.”
Even after spending their entire lives side by side, the idea of separating for college never seemed appealing. They were glad to find out they’d still be roommates.
“I was good with rooming with my brother,” Andrew Harris said. “I was with him my whole life, so why would we split up in college now? We were both pretty excited when we both found out that we were still gonna be rooming together.”
For the twins, living together in college hasn’t changed much from life back home, other than the extra freedom that comes with being on campus. The routine is familiar: talk football, study the defense, and help each other stay sharp.
Aiden and Andrew regularly go over South Carolina’s defensive playbook together in their dorm. Even though they’re learning different positions, each one helps the other understand the details that matter on Saturdays.
“I coach him up on things that he needs to see as a D-lineman, and he lets me know things that I need to see playing the [linebacker] position right now,” Andrew Harris said. “We definitely coach each other up a lot on things that we both need to work on.”
That back-and-forth doesn’t stop with the brothers. Aiden and freshman defensive lineman Noah Clark trade texts to quiz each other on play calls. Andrew, meanwhile, has been leaning on veterans Shawn Murphy and Justin Okoronwo in meetings, according to linebackers coach Trey Money.
Whether the twins see major snaps right away is still unknown, but both of their position coaches believe they can help when called upon.
Money described Andrew as a player with the kind of athletic traits that can translate quickly.
“Very natural athlete, love his speed, love his agility, definitely a guy that could come in as a true freshman and make an impact, whether it’s on defense or special teams,” Money said.
Travian Robertson had equally strong words for Aiden.
“He’s locked in. He’s dialed in.
He’s taking care of his body. He’s studying the playbook.
He’s calling me every other day, trying to learn. So he’s soaking it up like a sponge and just ready to go.”
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