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

South Carolina football helmet. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
South Carolina football helmet. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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South Carolina football sixth-year senior Dakereon Joyner is expected to play some running back this season. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 6: What on Earth Is the Plan at Running Back?

Dakereon Joyner will play some running back on Saturday. Juju McDowell returns from last year’s team, and Mario Anderson just arrived on campus this January from Division-II Newberry. How these three (and any walk-ons) are deployed could give Carolina fans a clue as to what the Gamecocks’ plans are at the position.

Joyner reportedly has adapted well to the position, but this will be the first time fans get to see him running against a defense from the running back position instead of quarterback or wide receiver. McDowell is a smaller back and likely can’t carry a full load in the SEC, but it will be interesting to see how much Loggains and Running Backs Coach Montario Hardesty trust McDowell to take on a larger role. Anderson has SEC size at 210 pounds, but no one outside of the program really knows if he can play against SEC defensive speed.

Saturday’s spring game should provide a bit of insight into the questions surrounding the Gamecock backfield.