South Carolina Football: 10 observations from fall practice so far
By Kevin Miller
South Carolina Football’s Fall Camp Observations:
So far, there has been no debate about the hierarchy at running back.
Many who care about South Carolina football have been concerned this offseason about the running back position. This concern is valid and stems from the fact that the Gamecocks lost MarShawn Lloyd (transfer portal), Christian Beal-Smith (graduation), Lovasea Carroll (medical retirement), and Rashad Amos (transfer portal) from the room this offseason.
Earlier this offseason, do-it-all playmaker Dakereon Joyner moved to running back “to help out” at the position, but it appears that #5 is going to be the starter. Experienced scat back Juju McDowell has run with the first-team offense some during camp, as well, but McDowell is not expected to play a starter’s role at just 170 pounds.
Newberry transfer Mario Anderson and true freshman DJay Braswell will have to play this year, as well, but Joyner looks to be in line to take the majority of the running back snaps in the early goings of the 2023 season.
Joyner provides a lot for the offense at running back despite the fact he lacks experience at that position. He has bulked up to 229 pounds, meaning he is the heaviest and strongest of the running backs. He has experience running routes and catching the ball from his time as a wide receiver. And he also has the ability to throw the football, something that is sure to come up at least a few times this fall.
The former quarterback/former wide receiver/former wildcat quarterback has always been at his best when he has been given the freedom to make plays. In 2019 against Georgia, Joyner came in unexpectedly and preserved a massive upset for the Gamecocks. In 2021, he was the starting quarterback against North Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. In 2022, he was a big contributor against Tennessee as a wildcat quarterback. In all of these instances, there was not an overwhelming amount of structure. Instead, Joyner just played football.
When speaking about Dowell Loggains’ system, Joyner excitedly talked about how South Carolina football’s new offensive coordinator lets his players “just play football.” That sounds like a recipe for success for the sixth-year senior.
Loggains quipped during media availability last week that he didn’t “know where [the Gamecocks] would be” without Joyner. Barring some unforeseen change, Dakereon Joyner will be the Gamecocks’ starting running back this fall, and he could be in line for a big year.