The NFL preseason is not just a warm-up for the regular season; it’s a proving ground where young players and hopefuls showcase their talents and fight for roster spots. For several former South Carolina Gamecocks, this period has been a critical opportunity to demonstrate their skills and secure their futures in the league. These players, each with their own unique journey, are making a name for themselves in the preseason. Let’s dive into how Kevin Harris, Marcellas Dial Jr., Jammie Robinson, and Dante Miller are faring as they transition from college stars to NFL contributors.
Kevin Harris: Building on a Legacy with the New England Patriots
Kevin Harris, a powerhouse during his time with the South Carolina Gamecocks, is now carving out his role with the New England Patriots. Harris, who was drafted in the 6th round, is no stranger to making the most of his opportunities. His college career is highlighted by a standout 2019 season, where he earned First Team All-SEC honors and etched his name into South Carolina’s history with a phenomenal performance against Ole Miss—rushing for 243 yards and five touchdowns.
Now with the Patriots, Harris finds himself in a competitive backfield, vying for a spot as a 2nd or 3rd string running back. His preseason performance thus far includes 8 carries for 22 yards and a touchdown, complemented by a 20-yard kick return. These numbers, while modest, are a testament to his determination to rise through the ranks. As the regular season approaches, Harris’s potential to see more playing time could become a reality, building on the legacy he began at South Carolina.
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Marcellas Dial Jr.: A Rising Star in the Patriots’ Secondary
Marcellas Dial Jr., drafted this year in the 6th round by the New England Patriots, is already making a case for himself as a promising young talent. Dial’s journey to the NFL is one of perseverance, beginning at Georgia Military College before transferring to South Carolina, where he developed into one of the nation’s top defensive backs. His 2022 season saw him ranked in the top 25 nationally for passes broken up (PBUs) and third in the SEC for both interceptions and PBUs—an indication of his sharp instincts and ball-hawking ability.
In the preseason, Dial has recorded 5 total tackles, 4 of them solo, showcasing the same defensive prowess that made him a standout at South Carolina. His immediate goal is to climb the depth chart, and if his performance continues on this trajectory, Dial could soon find himself as a key contributor in the Patriots’ secondary, a testament to the hard work and skill that brought him from JUCO to the NFL.
Jammie Robinson: Poised to Make an Impact with the Carolina Panthers
Jammie Robinson’s path to the NFL has been marked by excellence and adaptability. Originally making his mark at South Carolina, where he set a school record for most tackles in a game by a freshman, Robinson later transferred to Florida State, continuing to build on his defensive reputation. His time at both schools was distinguished, earning him a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team and later, two All-ACC honors at Florida State.
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Now with the Carolina Panthers, Robinson was drafted in the 5th round last year and is poised to become a reliable backup option in the secondary. In his preseason appearances, he has registered 2 total tackles, including 1 solo, continuing to show the solid tackling and coverage skills that made him a standout in college. As he looks to secure his role with the Panthers, Robinson’s combination of experience and raw talent could make him an invaluable asset as the season progresses.
Dante Miller: The Underdog with Big Potential at the New York Giants
Few stories are as compelling as that of Dante Miller, whose journey to the NFL has been anything but typical. After transferring from the Ivy League to South Carolina, Miller faced a major setback due to an eligibility misunderstanding. He played just four games for the Gamecocks, but that didn’t stop him from pursuing his NFL dreams. At South Carolina’s Pro Day, Miller’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary, drawing interest from multiple teams despite his limited college playing time.
Miller’s perseverance paid off when the New York Giants signed him just a week before the draft. In his preseason debut, he carried the ball 12 times for 63 yards, averaging 5.3 yards per carry, and added 2 receptions for 7 yards. Miller’s story has already captured the attention of many, but his on-field performance suggests he’s not just a feel-good tale—he’s a legitimate contender to carve out a role in the Giants’ backfield. With his determination and talent, Miller could become one of the season’s biggest surprises.
Convulsion:
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These former Gamecocks are proving that the NFL preseason is not just a stepping stone, but a crucial chapter in their careers. From Kevin Harris’s potential breakthrough with the Patriots to Dante Miller’s inspiring journey with the Giants, each player brings something unique to the table. As the preseason continues, keep an eye on these Gamecock alumni—they might just become the next big names in the NFL.
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South Carolina’s championship repeat tour chances are in trouble.
Junior forward Ashlyn Watkins, a critical part of the 2024 team that won a title, is done for the season with an ACL injury. Her injury significantly complicates the Gamecocks’ chances at another title. South Carolina was already adjusting to life without Kamilla Cardoso, attempting her length and production with Chloe Kitts and Sania Feagin after she moved on to the WNBA.
But no Watkins to lead the bench unit or fill in the starting lineup when needed puts a dent in how the team operates. “In the games, we might need to play small ball,” head coach Dawn Staley told the media earlier this week. “The last time that we lost a big such as Ashlyn, we played small ball, and it worked out for us. And we might have to pull that rabbit out [of] our hat.”
Dawn Staley on how @GamecockWBB adjusts without Ashlyn Watkins in the post:
“We might need to play small ball. The last time that we lost a big such as Ashlyn (Alaina Coates in 2017), we played small ball and it worked out for us.”@wachfoxpic.twitter.com/vtJNwhiSFM
Transparently, losing Watkins’ length and size (6 foot-3) for the remainder of the season will hurt the Gamecocks when they play teams with similar or larger physical attributes.
There’s also this to consider: South Carolina’s sheer amount of roster continuity is also impacted. When the NCAA Tournament arrives, teams with more chemistry, experience and ability to produce at those levels typically have longer post-season runs.
With this in mind, if South Carolina wants another ring, Dawn Staley might have to go so deep into her coaching bag that she finds Tic Tacs at the bottom.
No criminal charges will be filed over the death of a Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) K9 deputy who perished inside a hot patrol car on July 28, 2024.
The deputy – K9 Orser – was identified for the first time on Wednesday (January 8, 2025), less than 24 hours after FITSNews reported that the investigation into his death was ongoing.
“At my request, I was briefed today by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division regarding the findings and conclusion of their investigation into the death of K9 Orser,” newly sworn-in DCSO sheriff Sam Richardson said in a statement. “Based on their thorough and independent investigation, they have decided not to pursue criminal charges against the K9 handler involved in this incident. The Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office will be holding a private memorial service to honor K9 Orser for his devoted service to the citizens of Dorchester County.”
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Deputy Brandon Edwards, Orser’s handler, was demoted following the incident – and the case was turned over to the SLED for investigation. As of now, the details of that inquiry – and the decision not to prosecute Edwards – remain a mystery.
Our news outlet repeatedly requested information from DCSO about this incident – but those requests were either declined or deferred. Last August, a former DCSO deputy took to social media and demanded accountability in the matter.
“Dorchester County is trying to sweep this under the rug,” former deputy Adam Throckmorton said. “They’re trying to duck the news media, and they’re just trying to make it like it never happened.”
Shortly thereafter, SLED announced it had taken over the case – with its director of public information, Renée Wunderlich, noting her agency was leading an independent inquiry as opposed to merely conducting an “investigative review.”
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RELATED | ANOTHER SOUTH CAROLINA K9 OFFICER KILLED
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Details of Edwards’ demotion recently surfaced in documents submitted to the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy (SCCJA), which outlined the reason for the disciplinary action. Edwards left his K9 partner “unattended in his department-issued vehicle without the temperature controls operating,” according to a document dated September 12, 2024. As a result, Edwards’ rank was reduced from master deputy to deputy, his pay was decreased, and he was removed from the K9 unit. Notably, the document made no mention of the K9’s death.
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FITSNews is submitting FOIA requests aimed at uncovering the findings of SLED’s investigation – and the determination by prosecutors not to press charges. Whatever information we are able to obtain from those inquiries we will be sure to pass along to our audience.
As previously noted, last year was a horrific one for K9 officers in South Carolina. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) alone lost three K9s – Bumi, Kodak and Wick – each shot and killed in the line of duty. SLED lost one K9, Coba, who was also shot and killed in the line of duty.
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THE RELEASE…
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR …
Callie Lyons (provided)
Callie Lyonsis a journalist, researcher and author. Her 2007 book ‘Stain-Resistant, Nonstick, Waterproof and Lethal’ was the first to cover forever chemicals and their impact on communities – a story later told in the movie ‘Dark Waters.’ Her investigative work has been featured in media outlets, publications, and documentaries all over the world. Lyons also appears in ‘Citizen Sleuth’ – a 2023 documentary exploring the genre of true crime.
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A motorist accused of driving under the influence challenged a South Carolina cop hauling him off to jail to an impromptu spelling bee contest as part of a rash of “belligerent” antics last Saturday, authorities said.
Richard Anthony Demato suggested the wordy competition after he allegedly called the Mount Pleasant police officer an “idiot,” according to a police report cited by local outlets.
The 41-year-old suspect was initially arrested after authorities found him in a Walgreens parking lot near a red Grand Jeep Cherokee with a ruined right tire. He allegedly drove into the parking lot after striking two cars, authorities said.
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Richard Anthony Demato is facing a DUI charge and other criminal counts tied to Saturday’s alleged antics. Al Cannon Detention Center
When cops walked up to him, Demato darted to the side of the jeep and placed his hands behind his back. He appeared unsteady and slurred his speech during the interaction, WCIV reported, citing the police report.
After he refused field sobriety tests, police arrested Demato, who reeked of alcohol, the report alleges.
As he was placed under arrest, Demato directed nasty obscenities toward the cops and was acting in a “wild and belligerent manner,” the police report states, according to WCSC.
He also allegedly threatened to harm an officer while he was waiting to be taken to a hospital where he could be medically cleared for jail. Once there, he screamed at staff while kicking doors and equipment, authorities alleged.
On his way from the hospital to a jail cell, Demato attempted to play a game when he challenged an officer to the spelling bee and spelled out the word “Britain,” according to the police report.
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The motorist challenges cops to a spelling bee, police said. Justin – stock.adobe.com
Demato, who was also accused of kicking an officer in the arm, is facing charges of first-degree DUI, hit and run with property damage, and assaulting or resisting a police officer, according to reports.
He was reportedly released from jail on nearly $16,000 bail on Monday.
