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South Carolina Football – Impact Sophomores

By Jacob Elsey

Head coach Will Muschamp of the South Carolina Gamecocks. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Head coach Will Muschamp of the South Carolina Gamecocks. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 30: Ryan Hilinski #3 of the South Carolina Gamecocks warms up before their game against the Clemson Tigers at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 30: Ryan Hilinski #3 of the South Carolina Gamecocks warms up before their game against the Clemson Tigers at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

OFF: Ryan Hilinski, Dak Joyner

QB Ryan Hilinski

Hilinski started 11 games for South Carolina last season, going 4-7 as the lead signal-caller.  He completed 58% of his passes, throwing for 2,357 yards and 11 touchdowns.  Those numbers were good enough for second amongst SEC freshmen, just behind Auburn’s Bo Nix.

The California native was forced into action following senior Jake Bentley’s season-ending foot injury in last year’s opener.  The experience will certainly help as he enters his sophomore year.  Bentley has since moved on to finish up his career at the University of Utah, and last season’s backup Dakereon Joyner is transitioning to wide receiver.  This means that Hilinski will likely be the opening day starter, with freshman Luke Doty and grad transfer Collin Hill battling for the backup role.

Hilinski will be tasked with learning a new playbook, as play-caller Mike Bobo was brought in to run the offense next season. He’ll also have to find a new No. 1 target with Bryan Edwards moving on to the NFL.  With his top receiver and top three options in the backfield graduating, Hilinski will be asked to shift from game manager to leader as he spearheads a young offense in 2020.

ATHENS, GA – OCTOBER 12: Dakereon Joyner #7 of the South Carolina Gamecocks eludes the tackle of Walter Grant #84 of the Georgia Bulldogs during a game between University of South Carolina Gamecocks and University of Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on October 12, 2019 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images).
ATHENS, GA – OCTOBER 12: Dakereon Joyner #7 of the South Carolina Gamecocks eludes the tackle of Walter Grant #84 of the Georgia Bulldogs during a game between University of South Carolina Gamecocks and University of Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on October 12, 2019 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images). /

WR Dakereon Joyner

Joyner is making the move from quarterback to wide receiver this season.  It was a move that had been in the making since early last year.  Unfortunately, Will Muschamp was forced to nix the plan following Jake Bentley’s season-ending injury and Joyner was thrust back into a backup role behind Ryan Hilinski to provide some depth at quarterback.

As a passer, Joyner was 16-28, throwing for 168 yards.  He also rushed for 107 yards and a touchdown, and caught six passes for 46 yards.  He was forced into action at quarterback in multiple games last year.  In a loss at Missouri, Joyner threw for 89 yards.  He also helped preserve the overtime upset over Georgia, checking in after Hilinski went down with an injury in the second half.

The Gamecocks brought in two signal-callers with the 2020 recruiting class in Doty and Hill, meaning Joyner should get to focus solely on wide receiver.  Offensive Coordinator Mike Bobo will move Joyner all over the field, having him line up in the slot, the edge, and the backfield so that opposing defenses must account for all aspects of his game.  He will be a major weapon and a matchup nightmare in the Gamecocks’ offense this year.

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