Trust the process: How Dakereon Joyner is adjusting to full-time role at receiver
Dakereon Joyner’s move to receiver continues to be a work in progress.
Joyner made the permanent move to receiver in the offseason after splitting time at quarterback and receiver last season. The wide receiver spot is one of the biggest question marks for South Carolina this season.
Shi Smith is the only proven receiver the Gamecocks return from last season. Transfer Jalen Brooks is expected to contribute if he gets clearance from the NCAA. But other receivers in the mix, including freshman Luke Doty, don’t have a lot of experience at the position or on the college level.
“He needs practice time. To only have five days of spring practice hurt his development,” new South Carolina offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said Friday in discussing Joyner’s development. “He has been in and out because of injury. He has been back this week and I saw some things that I like there. He just has to continue to improve.”
Joyner was a highly-touted prospect coming in and was the state’s Mr. Football award recipient in 2017.
After redshirting as a freshman, Joyner started playing receiver early last season when he lost the backup quarterback job to Ryan Hilinski. When Jake Bentley was injured in the opener, Joyner was forced into a backup QB role.
He bounced between the positions, battled a hamstring injury and had to step in to lead South Carolina to an upset against No. 3 Georgia.
“I had to contribute in every way possible,” Joyner said in March. “That’s what it was. That’s what I had to play last year, but I think this year should be, I should have more opportunities this year.”
Head coach Will Muschamp included Joyner when speaking of his top group of receivers for the 2020 season.
Bobo said Joyner has the tools to be successful. It just might not come as quickly as people want.
“All these kids, not just Dakereon, want instant success. Going to walk in the door be an All-American, win the Heisman or leave after three years. There is a process to becoming good,” Bobo said. “I think if he sticks with the process and continues to improve his craft, he has a chance to help us be a good offensive player at South Carolina.
“He is still in the process of doing that. I like his demeanor and his toughness. It is just the finer parts of being a receiver.”
