Luke Doty certain about his South Carolina future. Dakereon Joyner still deciding
Dakereon Joyner says he does not know yet whether he will return for another season at South Carolina, saying his final decision will depend on what it is best for his daughter and his family.
“Whatever’s gonna put me and my family in the best situation,” Joyner told reporters Tuesday. “It’s all about my daughter, so we’ll see.”
Joyner, a redshirt senior, played in 12 games this year and received 16 total touches on offense. He’s played in a special teams role as well, but saw more attention on offense as the season progressed, particularly in a backup quarterback role.
Junior quarterback Luke Doty confirmed that he will remain at South Carolina next season.
“Absolutely,” Doty said Tuesday when asked if he’s coming back.
Doty appeared in four games this season for the Gamecocks and will be able to maintain his redshirt status for next year. He is eligible to play in the Gator Bowl due to a new NCAA rule allowing players to play in the postseason and not have that count against a redshirt.
Doty is a Myrtle Beach High alum and won the state’s Mr. Football honor in 2019. He’s started six of his 18 games at South Carolina, throwing for 1,526 yards and nine touchdowns.
Both Joyner and Doty are practicing for the Gator Bowl and will be available for the game. Both have served in a backup capacity for starter Spencer Rattler this season, with Joyner also playing at receiver.
Joyner did take part in South Carolina’s Senior Day recognition before the Tennessee game. He’s been with the program for five years but could still return for another season with the Gamecocks.
Gwyn poised to turn pro
South Carolina senior offensive lineman Jovaughn Gwyn said he will “most likely” declare for the 2023 NFL Draft after the Gator Bowl.
Gwyn is a four-year starter from Charlotte who has been with the team since 2018. He has started 46 of his 48 career games with USC.
He was named a team captain for the 2021 season and was one of three Gamecocks that Shane Beamer selected to represent the program in the 2022 SEC Media Days event in Atlanta.
“Just to come back and play one more game for this university and play one more game with my teammates,” Gywn said about his decision to play in the bowl game. “This will be the last time we’re all on the same field together. Last time we’ll get to really spend time with each other.”
Gwyn would be the fourth Gamecock to publicly declare for the upcoming NFL Draft. Cam Smith, Zacch Pickens and Darius Rush have already announced their intentions to do so, though all three of them will not play in the bowl game.
This story was originally published December 20, 2022 at 12:48 PM.
