Predicting South Carolina football’s season awards
Mr. Do-it-all – WR/RET Dakereon Joyner
Joyner will be a versatile weapon in Marcus Satterfield’s new look offense. The former four-star athlete will be found lining up in a number of positions, though wide receiver should be his main role after transitioning to the position full time last season.
What makes Joyner versatile is his ability to both help out in the return game and in the backfield. South Carolina plans to install a quarterback package for the junior, and he could help out in the rushing attack with reverses and end arounds.
Joyner only saw nine touches last season on offense, turning two of them into touchdowns. Expect those numbers to increase significantly in the 2021 season with Shane Beamer looking to get the ball into the hands of his best playmakers.
Runner-ups: Jaheim Bell, Juju McDowell
Surprise Breakout Star – WR Jalen Brooks
Brooks struggled last year after transferring into the program. Prior to his arrival in Columbia, the wideout was an all-conference performer at Wingate. Unfortunately, his transfer wasn’t approved until halfway through the season, causing him to miss significant action.
When he was on the field, his ability to get open was evident. What held the receiver back were drops. He appears to have cleaned that up over the offseason, and the year of experience should help him moving into his second season with the program.
Brooks has top end speed, and he’s expected to land one of the starting roles out wide. If the Gamecocks can find a formidable passer under center, Brooks could wind up being a surprise candidate who has a big year.
Runner-ups: ZaQuandre White, Luke Doty