South Carolina football: five players looking to make a jump in 2021
By Jacob Elsey
5 players South Carolina football is expecting to step up in 2021.
The South Carolina football season is less than four months away as the Gamecocks prepare for their first campaign under new head coach Shane Beamer. The team is finished up with the Spring practice session, and can now turn it focus to the season opener.
The Gamecocks have a mix of newcomers and past contributors on the roster, and are looking to improve upon last year’s two-win season. Of those returning contributors, the Gamecocks are hoping to see major jumps from a handful of players.
Last year, we saw Kevin Harris post an 1,100-yard season after entering his sophomore campaign as a relative unknown. Nick Muse also made a big jump, finishing second on the team in receiving. Who will be next?
Let’s take a look at five players on the roster that could see major jumps in production when the 2021 season rolls around.
1. Dakereon Joyner
Joyner plans to be used in a variety of ways this season, as the coaching staff has mentioned his name at wideout, in the backfield, and on special teams. Last year was Joyner’s first full stint in the wide receiver room, after making the move from quarterback. The Palmetto State native racked up 61 yards on the ground, 55 yards through the air, and scored a pair of touchdowns. He also returned seven kicks for a 23.6-yard average.
Unfortunately, he missed four games due to injury, but it was encouraging to see his production increase down the final stretch of the year. In South Carolina’s season finale against Kentucky, Joyner tallied a season-high 43 receiving yards on four receptions, racked up 75 yards on two kickoff returns, and found the endzone.
With lack of pass catching production on the roster, Joyner should find himself squarely in the mix at wide receiver. Look for offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield to move the junior all over the field in an attempt to put Joyner’s playmaking abilities on full display.