Dakereon Joyner picks up award, ready to begin next chapter with Gamecocks

Dakereon Joyner’s season might not have ended like he wanted, but the Fort Dorchester quarterback picked up a nice consolation prize Thursday night.

The South Carolina commit was named the Palmetto Champions Back of the Year by the S.C. Football Coaches Association.

“I am very grateful for this award,” Joyner said. “I couldn’t do it without my teammates and coaches. I’m very humbled and thankful. And of course, we lost this Friday, but when one chapter closes, the next opens. I’m ready to go on with my life and move on.”

Dutch Fork ended Joyner and Fort Dorchester’s season, 24-14, Friday in the Class 5A Lower State championship. He threw a touchdown and had 293 yards of offense in the game and finished his career 40-3 as a starter with all three losses to Dutch Fork.

Joyner said he played the final two quarters with a sprained AC joint in his non-throwing shoulder and couldn’t lift his arm the next day. He had his arm in a sling for a couple days but is feeling much better and plans to play in the Shrine Bowl on Dec. 16 and in the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl in New Orleans on Dec. 30.

The five-star prospect took his official visit to USC over the weekend and attended the Gamecocks’ game against Clemson. Earlier this week, Joyner had an in-home visit with offensive coordinator Kurt Roper, and the two discussed a variety of topics.

Joyner enrolls at USC on Jan. 10 and is ready to contribute right away.

“I had a great official visit and sat down with coach Muschamp and his staff,” Joyner said. “I am just ready to come in and compete. Whatever their plan is for me, I will find out in January. But my goal is to come in in January, work hard and compete. And whatever happens, happens.”

This story was originally published November 30, 2017 at 9:38 PM with the headline "Dakereon Joyner picks up award, ready to begin next chapter with Gamecocks."