Dakereon Joyner says transition to running back is going really well

There’s no other way to describe Dakereon Joyner other than a Swiss army knife. Beginning his career at South Carolina at quarterback, he moved to the wide receivers room to allow him more snaps — and now is on the move again to play running back in 2023.

Changing positions this late in his collegiate career comes with its fair share of growing pains, but Joyner has taken all of that in stride for the benefit of the Gamecocks’ offense.

“It’s going really well. I feel very comfortable,” Joyner said during fall camp. “I’m starting to become confident as well. I feel good, am taking coaching and just trying to do my thing.”

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 — JuJu McDowell and Mario Anderson — 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. The sixth-year vet jumped at the opportunity.

Around the same time, Joyner was also dealing with the changes that come with becoming a first-time father. His whole world was shifting — and he was still willing to take one for the team.

“How unselfish. If he is not the leader of our team, he is one of the top leaders of our team there’s no doubt about it,” Beamer told On3’s Andy Staples in an exclusive interview.

Being forced to switch positions multiple times and not enter the transfer portal after five years — that’s a program guy if there ever was one, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed. Head coach Shane Beamer figures Joyner to be a ‘huge’ part of the Gamecocks’ offense.

With Joyner potentially leading the rushing attack, 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.