South Carolina Football: 10 things to look for during Saturday’s spring game

No. 10: What Role Will Dakereon Joyner Play for South Carolina Football?

Sixth-year senior DK Joyner has worn many garnet and black hats during his time in Columbia. The former 4-star recruit has started games at quarterback, wide receiver, and kick returner and has also taken lots of snaps as a wildcat quarterback. This offseason, the versatile playmaker has added running back to his resume as he has spent the majority of the spring getting reps in the backfield.

The Gamecocks are extremely thin at running back. Joyner joins Juju McDowell and Newberry transfer Mario Anderson as the only scholarship players at the position. Unless the Gamecocks add a back through the transfer portal (and, perhaps, maybe even if they do), Joyner will be needed at the position as McDowell is just 5’9″ and 180 pounds and Anderson has never played above Division-II.

If Joyner plays primarily as a running back during the spring game, it likely means that the reports that have surfaced about him taking well to the new role are accurate, and he will have a real shot to be the starter. If he plays running back but also gets snaps at receiver or quarterback, it is likely indicative of the fact that Joyner will keep his “do-it-all” role. Regardless, because of his importance to this year’s offense at the beginning of the season, don’t expect #5 to play more than just a few series as many starters will be removed after some early action.