Shane Beamer predicts Dakereon Joyner will be a 'huge' part of offense

Dakereon Joyner has undergone a position change since the end of last season. Moving from the wide receiver position to the running back room, South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer set the bar high for his fifth-year offensive weapon.

“He’s going to be a huge part of [the offense]. He embodies everything being a Gamecock is about and easily could have been here again today as well,” Beamer said of Joyner at SEC Media Days. “He’s a fantastic leader and representative of our program. He’s literally done everything on our team in his career.”

Beamer has been wanting to utilize Joyner in a more versatile role. He’s been used as a wildcat quarterback situationally last season and had a couple of rushing touchdowns to his credit.

Joyner’s natural ability to fight for extra yards, lowering his shoulder to get downhill while also being able to make a defender miss in space are three qualities Beamer wants to see in a running back. It seems like too perfect of a match to pass up.

Heading into spring practice, South Carolina had just two running backs on scholarship. Beamer approached Joyner about dabbling in the run game. He sold it as another way for Joyner to get extended playing time and show pro scouts that there’s more than one level to his game.

“I think maybe he was a little reluctant but decided to do it, but I couldn’t be more excited that he did. I think he’ll tell you the same thing,” Beamer said. “He showed great natural ability as a running back. He’s going to help us there along with other areas on our team.”

That reluctance has turned into confidence for Joyner. Joining Beamer to represent the program at a recent charity event in Charleston, Joyner was introduced as a wide receiver. He immediately took to the mic to tell the whole room that now, he’s a running back.

“He has embodied it and can’t wait to carry the football for us this year, along with our other running backs,” Beamer said.

The Gamecocks have an opportunity to kick off their 2023 campaign on the right track, matching up against rival North Carolina and star QB Drake Maye on Sept. 2 at a neutral site — Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte for the Duke’s Mayo Classic. Two weeks later, they’ll travel to Georgia for a statement matchup against the reigning two-time national champions.