'Grateful' Joyner adjusting well to new role with Gamecocks
Dakereon Joyner has played many roles during his time with the Gamecocks, whether it’s been quarterback, receiver, or special teams.
This offseason, head coach Shane Beamer approached him with another one, an area in which the team needed more playmaking help: running back.
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“He wanted to experiment with it. We’re trying to see how it’s going to benefit us, being able to keep defenses on their toes, not knowing what we can do,” Joyner explained during a media news conference on Monday. “I’m trying to understand it so come August, if I need to be there, I can be there.”
While Beamer has noted that Joyner is still a wide receiver, a new scheme under offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains and the need to learn the nuances of a new spot means he’s been spending his time in Montario Hardesty’s room.
“I’m embracing my role, spending most of my time at running back right now, trying to learn that position,” said Joyner. “I’m able to go play receiver whenever I want to. Right now, I’m trying to focus on running back and learn that scheme right now.”
Joyner was reminded by a media member during the press conference that he spent a bit of time at running back as a high school freshman, something the sixth-year college senior had a laugh about on Monday.
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With a few spring practices under his belt at a new spot for the Gamecocks, how is the transition going?
“I’ve adjusted pretty well. I feel natural at it. I’ve been getting a few compliments about it. My teammates have been speaking highly of me,” Joyner said. “I’m just trying to do my thing. I’m a ball player, just trying to do what I can whenever I can.”
No stranger to rushing the football out of the backfield – as a dual-threat quarterback – Joyner noted that he grew up enjoying watching Reggie Bush and LaDainian Tomlinson.
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There are a couple more recent players he’s drawing inspiration from nowadays.
Said Joyner: “Alvin Kamara, for sure. Bijan Robinson from Texas. Two guys I like that I’ve been starting to watch their tape. That’s who I want to play like, want to model my game after.”
The Palmetto State native noted that the physicality of the position is the part that most differs from quarterback or wideout.
As he continues settling into his role, a “grateful” Joyner is confident that yet another role added to his plate is nothing but a good thing.
“I learned I can do whatever I put my mind to. I’m a guy that overcomes adversity, stands strong. I’m a team first guy,” he said. “That’s how I was raised, man. I never give up on whatever God puts in front of me. Every opportunity is a blessing.”
