Kelshard Harris pic
KWAI COOK

Kelshard Harris is a senior defensive lineman for the Byrnes Rebels. Harris, who transferred from Dorman last year, has become a force on a dominant line for the Rebels this season. 

GreerNews.com caught up with Harris ahead of Friday’s big second-round playoff matchup against Rock Hill. 

GreerNews.com (GN) You got to Byrnes last year after transferring from Dorman last year. What stood out to you about this program when you got here?

Kelshard Harris (KH): It was coming up on my final year of high school, so I was glad to make the move. My cousin is [Byrnes defensive end] Justice Hopkins, so it’s been great to play with him. This year has been great. Everyone pushes me, and we build relationships, and this program is big about us being close to God. As a team, we have great, positive energy, which I love.

GN: Were you nervous about starting at a new school? 

KH: I knew a couple of people here, so I wasn’t too nervous. It was more of me wondering what the change was going to look like. Coming from a different rival school, I didn’t know how people would react to me. So I wanted to show them what I can do on the field. 

GN: What do you feel like your biggest area of growth has been this season?

KH: I would say my technique. When I first got here, I tore my meniscus and had to make my way back. I just got better and better and worked and ended up getting a starting spot. So that was great. 

GN: When did you first fall in love with football?

KH: It’s always been big to me since I was growing up. My first year, when I was a first grader, I was playing up with second and third graders. So I knew I had the ability. It’s always just been a matter of sticking with it and being confident in what I can do. 

GN: Who was a player you looked up to at an early age?

KH: Definitely my cousin, [Minnesota Vikings player] Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins. Growing up, seeing him play at Gaffney, he always inspired me and showed me exactly what I could do if I worked at it.

GN: What do you hope people remember you for at Byrnes when it’s all said and done? 

KH: I hope they remember me for helping us bring a state championship this season. Everything here is a team sport, and that’s what’s going to get us to that championship game.

GN: Is it different or fun playing out there on the defensive line next to your cousin, Justice Hopkins? 

KH: It’s actually funny sometimes. There are a few arguments here and there between us, but that’s just family. We each push each other to be better, and we make each other work harder. It’s all aiming for one goal, and that’s the state title.

GN: What do you think the key will be for Byrnes to make it all the way to state? There are some really good teams standing in the way.

KH: Definitely. We’ve just got to keep the momentum we’ve been playing with. We’ve played pretty much mistake-free football lately and limited turnovers, and if we keep building off that and getting better and better each game, we’re going to go try to win it all.

For more coverage of Greer-area athletics, follow @GreerNewsSports on X.