South Carolina Football: Joyner excited about RB role, could join Syvelle Newton in exclusive statistical club

It was revealed last week that Gamecock multi-purpose playmaker Dakereon Joyner would take some snaps at running back this preseason in addition to his wide receiver, wildcat quarterback, and special teams duties. Joyner said during media availability on Monday that he is “excited” about being able to contribute to his team in a new way. However, Joyner is not South Carolina football’s first do-it-all weapon.

Hailing from Marlboro County High School, Syvelle Newton was one of the best athletes to ever wear a block C on his helmet. He played during the end of the Lou Holtz era and the start of Steve Spurrier’s time in Columbia.

As a freshman, Newton split his time between quarterback and receiver but primarily was a pass catcher. He totaled over 330 yards of total offense in limited duty but showed he was capable of much more if given the opportunity. His time at receiver in 2003 was simply a means of getting a dynamic player on the field while he got ready to play quarterback in the future.

As a sophomore, Newton played almost exclusively at quarterback but split starts with the incumbent Dondrial Pinkins after Pinkins began the year as the starter. When Newton took over the starting job, he managed to throw for over 1000 yards and rush for another 250 in just a partial season that included a win on the road at Alabama.

The Head Ball Coach came to town in 2005 and shook things up a bit. Coach Spurrier wanted to play Blake Mitchell at quarterback and have the more athletic Newton move back to receiver. #13 wasn’t just a receiver, though, as he ran some wildcat quarterback and was part of numerous Spurrier trick plays. Unfortunately, Newton tore his Achilles Tendon halfway through the year but not before he tallied almost 500 yards of total offense and 6 touchdowns. In the game he was injured, he scored a touchdown in all three ways: passing, rushing, and receiving.

Amazingly, the athletic playmaker was fully healthy for the start of his senior campaign. It was another season of being drug all over the field by Spurrier for Newton; he started games at quarterback, wide receiver, and even safety in 2006. Statistically, Newton put up career highs in rushing and passing despite having to play some defense. He also caught 100 yards worth of passes and had 18 tackles on defense, including a sack in the win at Clemson.

Newton’s career was a strange one, and his relationship with the school and program that he played for is complicated because of it. No one can deny, though, that he is one of the most unique players college football has ever seen. He is one of just four players in college football history to account for 600 yards passing, 600 yards receiving, and 600 yards rushing in his career. Dakereon Joyner has a shot to make that “one of five.”

Joyner has also been yanked around a bit during his South Carolina football career. After not playing much at all to that point, during the 2019 Georgia game, Joyner was inserted at quarterback and led the Gamecocks to a road win over the #3 team in the nation. He has started games at quarterback, wide receiver, and wildcat quarterback during his time in garnet and black.  With questions in the backfield heading into spring practice, Joyner might be adding running back to that list come September.

For his career, DK has 325 yards rushing, 442 yards receiving, and 430 yards passing. With an expanded role in the offense in 2023, joining the “600 Club” is within reach. If his usage resembles what it looked like during the second half of last season, #5 will almost assuredly pull it off.

Gamecocks everywhere, including Newton, are hoping to see Joyner succeed.