Dakereon Joyner’s final high school game in South Carolina ended earlier than expected.
The Fort Dorchester quarterback and South Carolina commit reinjured his left shoulder in the first half of Saturday’s Shrine Bowl and didn’t return in the 55-24 loss at Wofford College.
Joyner said the injury happened on a running play He originally hurt the shoulder in the Class 5A Lower State Championship game.
Joyner is unsure if he will play in the Offense-Defense All-American Game on Dec. 30 in New Orleans. He will talk it over with his mother and USC coach Will Muschamp.
“I got hit and it bothered me more so I will just sit out,” Joyner said. “I want to protect myself so it is alright.”
Joyner played in four series and led South Carolina on its first scoring drive, capped off by his 5-yard TD run. He finished 2-of-5 passing for 69 yards with an interception. He also had three carries for 14 yards.
Despite the early ending, Joyner said he had a fun week and got to meet a lot of new players and connect more with some of his future USC teammates.
Joyner said he is ready to close the chapter on high school career and looking forward to life at USC. He will sign his letter of intent Wednesday and move in Jan. 10.
“High school is over now and I’m ready to put it behind me,” Joyner said. “I’m ready to move on to bigger and better things. I just want to improve as a passer and become a better quarterback.”
Joyner wasn’t the only USC commit hurt in the game. Cane Bay defensive back RJ Roderick, who was added to the roster this week, didn’t play in the second half after hurting his meniscus in his right knee.
Roderick finished the game with two tackles.
Like Joyner, Roderick is ready for his next chapter with the Gamecocks. He will sign Wednesday and also enroll early.
“I can’t put into words. It is something that you dream about. To put your signature down and get ready to play college football,” Roderick said.
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