Beamer praised Dakereon Joyner’s leadership. DK showed it with this practice moment
A recurring theme for the South Carolina football team is how many new faces the Gamecocks will have to rely on in 2023.
Coach Shane Beamer has spoken at length about this challenge, calling it “exciting” at media day Thursday. He also spoke about the benefits of having veteran leaders around to shepherd freshmen and transfers along. That leadership was on full display at the first day of fall camp.
Super senior Dakereon Joyner was seen offering a brief hug of encouragement for five-star freshman Nyck Harbor at the first preseason practice Friday. While it’s Joyner’s first year at the running back position, he is highly regarded by the coaching staff and his fellow players as an exemplary leader.
“DK is fantastic,” Beamer said Thursday. “He is everything that you want in a student-athlete at the University of South Carolina, or anywhere. He is a, if not the, leader of his football team. And there’s no doubt that we need him on this football team.
“He is a great young man, heck of a football player, super unselfish. And really excited to see him in this new role this upcoming season. He’s worked his butt off. He’s had a great summer. And his leadership and visibility on the field is immeasurable.”
Defensive lineman Alex Huntley, another leader and one of the most liked players on the team, shared a teaching moment with freshman Xzavier McLeod during Friday’s first practice. After a drill, Huntley talked to McLeod on the side and pointed out a couple of areas where the freshman can improve.
It was up-and-down practice for last year’s S.C. Mr. Football winner. McLeod slipped and fell during a drill but looks to be in good shape since enrolling in January. Gamecocks defensive line coach Travian Robertson said last week that he has hopes for McLeod, who worked with the third team defense during the portion open to the media.
Meanwhile, Beamer jumped in and showed good sportsmanship on one drill.
During a ball security drill, junior running back Juju McDowell was last in line and left without anyone to try and strip the ball away. Beamer noticed and ran over with linebacker Colin Bryant, and the three of them completed the drill together.
This story was originally published August 4, 2023 at 2:28 PM with the headline "Beamer praised Dakereon Joyner’s leadership. DK showed it with this practice moment."
