South Carolina Football: Dakereon Joyner helps to provide Thanksgiving for families in need

South Carolina football fans can barely remember a time when Dakereon Joyner was not a part of their favorite team. The former Mr. Football in the state of South Carolina, Joyner committed to the Gamecocks back in the summer of 2017.

In six seasons in Columbia, Joyner has played all over the field. He has started games at quarterback, wide receiver, running back, and kick returner, and he has also contributed as a wildcat quarterback, an H-back, and in multiple other special teams roles.

Joyner is well-known for helping secure the upset of Georgia in 2019 and for his surprise start at quarterback in the 2021 Duke’s Mayo Bowl (when he won the game’s MVP award).

His biggest impact, though, has been off the field.

DK Joyner has dedicated himself to making a difference in his communities (both in Columbia and back home in the Charleston area), and this season, #5 has taken his philanthropic work to a new level.

He has already made charitable donations this season for each touchdown he has scored (5 touchdowns so far), but over the past two weeks, his emphasis has been on the holiday season.

Last week, the DK Joyner Food Drive collected 818 pounds of food for those in need at Thanksgiving this year. On Monday, the South Carolina football player took some time to pass out the collected turkey and ham dinners.

After Joyner finishes up serving his community on Monday night, he will be just a short five days away from his final game at Williams-Brice Stadium. Due to an ankle injury, it is unclear if he will be able to play against the rival Clemson Tigers (he has missed the last two games with the ailment).

In his South Carolina football career, Joyner became just the second Gamecock ever to tally over 400 yards passing, rushing, and receiving (Syvelle Newton was the other). Joyner also scored 14 touchdowns in garnet and black.