One more year! Dakereon Joyner shares great news for Gamecocks
Dakereon Joyner’s time in Columbia will continue.
The former Fort Dorchester standout announced Sunday via social media that he’ll play one more year and wrap up his college eligibility as a South Carolina Gamecock.
He made the announcement with a heartfelt video message to his daughter, who will be born this spring, saying: “Whatever decision I make in my life is for you. You are my priority. I’ll be right by your side from Day 1. With that being said, I’ll resume my athletic career here at the University of South Carolina for my last year of eligibility, with you by my side. I cannot wait for you to experience your first game at Willy B.”
He’ll provide experience and depth for a 2023 South Carolina offense that is losing a number of its playmakers, with other key Gamecocks still making decisions about their futures.
Joyner in 2022 was 3-of-3 passing for 101 yards and a touchdown, and effectively served as Spencer Rattler’s backup late in the season. He also ran 12 times for 56 yards and two scores, and caught eight balls for 120 yards and a touchdown.
Joyner came to South Carolina as a four-star quarterback recruit in the class of 2018, choosing USC over offers from Georgia, Alabama, Auburn, Florida and Clemson.
He spent his first season with the Gamecocks at quarterback, before being moved to receiver in 2019 as he fell to No. 3 on the depth chart behind Jake Bentley and Ryan Hilinski. Joyner then bounced between the two positions, including playing some wildcat quarterback during the 2021 season.
The North Charleston native’s breakout game came in last year’s Duke’s Mayo Bowl win over North Carolina. Joyner earned a surprise start over Zeb Noland, completing all nine of his passes for 160 yards and one touchdown. He added another 64 yards on 10 carries as the Gamecocks rolled to a 38-21 victory.
South Carolina will lose of eight of the 13 players with two or more receptions from the 2022 season Jalen Brooks, Jaheim Bell, Austin Stogner, MarShawn Lloyd, Josh Vann, Nate Adkins, Christian-Beal Smith and Traevon Kenion.
This was Joyner’s full message he wrote for his daughter and shared through a video:
“To my daughter:
I promise to love you, support you and care for you unconditionally. From the moment I found out you were a little girl, you stole my heart immediately.
I wasn’t nervous at first, but as March approaches, I get a little more nervous, and a little more emotional.
I want to be everything you’ll ever need in a man, and in a father.
I promise to be as present as possible, and be there for you in all your first little moments.
Whatever decision I make in my life is for you. You are my priority. I’ll be right by your side from Day 1.
With that being said, I’ll resume my athletic career here at the University of South Carolina for my last year of eligibility, with you by my side.
I cannot wait for you to experience your first game at Willy B.
Love, Dada.”
This story was originally published January 1, 2023 at 5:49 PM with the headline "One more year! Dakereon Joyner shares great news for Gamecocks."
