Gamecocks target Dakereon Joyner named S.C. Gatorade Player of Year

Fort Dorchester quarterback Dakereon Joyner was named the South Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year on Monday.

Joyner is the first player from Fort Dorchester to win the award.

The junior threw for 3,642 yards and 44 touchdowns and also rushed for 1,089 yards and 12 scores this season. Joyner threw for 253 yards and rushed for 174 with three total TDs in the Patriots’ 49-24 season-ending loss Friday at Dutch Fork.

In addition to his on-field accomplishments, Joyner has maintained a 3.16 GPA in the classroom. A mentor to elementary-school students, he has volunteered with the Special Olympics and at a center for senior citizens.

247Sports ranks 6-2, 197-pound Joyner is the No. 1 QB in South Carolina and No. 9 dual threat QB in the country for the Class of 2018. He has 12 Division offers including South Carolina and Clemson.

Joyner plans to announce his college choice on Father’s Day next year.

This story was originally published December 12, 2016 at 6:07 PM with the headline "Gamecocks target Dakereon Joyner named S.C. Gatorade Player of Year."