South Carolina football: Gamecocks as Star Wars characters
By Jacob Elsey
R2 D2 – DAKEREON JOYNER
R2 D2 is a Swiss Army knife of buttons, nozzles, and gadgets that seemingly always saves his companions when things look grim. Dakereon Joyner embodies that for the South Carolina football program.
Joyner has played all over the field, coming to Columbia as a four-star quarterback before transitioning to wide receiver as a sophomore. The new staff at South Carolina is high on his abilities, and plans to use the dynamic athlete in a variety of ways by having him line up out wide, in the slot, as a tailback, and as a wildcat quarterback.
Joyner has also been the ultimate team player, bouncing between signal caller and pass catcher as the team needs. His replacement of an injured Ryan Hilinski in the 2019 Georgia win epitomizes that attitude. It will fun to see where he lines up in 2021.
YODA – ZAQUANDRE WHITE
White is the “old man” on the South Carolina offense as he enters his fourth season of college ball. Like Yoda, he’s both an experienced teacher to young backs Kevin Harris and MarShawn Lloyd, and a threat on the field himself.
In fact, White apparently made a PowerPoint over the offseason that showed both proper and improper ball carrying techniques in an attempt to limit fumbles and improve ball security. The lesson seems to be paying off, too, judging by his latest performance.
White was the top rusher in last month’s Spring game, tallying 95 yards and a score for the first-team offense. Though he may not start the season atop the depth chart, expect White to make a major impact by season’s end.