by David Jones, USA TODAY Sports

GAINESVILLE — Damontre Harris, a transfer to Florida from South Carolina, was arrested Wednesday for failure to appear in court on a traffic citation.

Harris left the South Carolina program after a coaching change and signed with the Gators. He must sit out this season as a transfer per NCAA rules but expected to compete for a starting job in the 2013-14 season after a stellar two years with the Gamecocks.

Harris was cited in July for not having a Florida license. The issue would have been minor but North Carolina native never took care of the matter and failed to appear for an August court date to clear the matter. That led to a warrant for his arrest.

Florida officials have not commented on the incident.

Harris a 6-10 forward-center, was named to the 2012 Southeastern Conference All-Defensive team while at South Carolina, his sophomore season. He averaged 6.8 points and 5.5 rebounds last season for the Gamecocks.

He was named one of the top 15 recruits at his position out of high school by several services, including ESPN and Rivals.

Jones also writes for Florida Today, a Gannett property

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