Coach: South Carolina 2018 QB target Dakereon Joyner ‘one-in-a-trillion’

Dakereon Joyner had just tossed a couple touchdown passes in a summer 7-on-7 competition when Steve Spurrier approached Joyner’s coach, Steve LaPrad.

The Fort Dorchester passer had only turned 13 years old a few weeks prior, but was still hanging with the varsity competition. LaPrad has been privy to more than a few high-level recruitments, and even this offer came as a surprise.

“South Carolina coming down there, ‘Coach, we want to offer that kid.’” LaPrad said. “I said, ‘Coach, he’s only 13.’ It was funny, at the time, I said, ‘Coach, you’re probably not going to be here.’

“He says, ‘Coach, that might be true, but we want to be the first ones.’”

Though far from the last.

Joyner, only a high school sophomore, has rolled up offers from North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Clemson and Auburn. He took a visit to South Carolina in late January and the coaching change had a big impact on his outlook.

“It’s really big because when Steve Spurrier was there, my interest in South Carolina was low,” Joyner said. “I’m not saying it’s really high now, but it’s different because I have the opportunity to play quarterback. Before, Steve Spurrier wanted me to play receiver or defensive back. But now that I have the opportunity to play quarterback, it really changes a lot.”

He quarterbacked a loaded Patriots team to an undefeated season and a state crown this past season. He threw for 3,202 yards and 33 touchdowns, plus running for 1,059 yards and 19 scores on the way to being named MaxPreps national sophomore of the year.

At 6-2, 190 pounds, he could project as a strong dual-threat prospect. The current USC staff seems to think so, as they re-offered him as a QB.

As his recruiting ramped up, Joyner said he got advice from teammate John Simpson, an offensive lineman whose high-profile recruitment wrapped up with him picking Clemson on signing day. Joyner described Simpson as a big brother, who provides tips and advice, but the younger player has another way to deal with the process.

“I pray,” Joyner said. “Me being so young, it’s a lot to handle. And I just pray to ask God for mental strength, for guidance to just help me along the way. I just have my mom there, helping me, keeping me organized.”

Joyner said he doesn’t have an exact timeline, though he plans to make his decision around July or August before his senior year.

He noted one other thing will play into his choice.

“My big factor in looking to a college is, I want the opportunity to play my freshman year,” Joyner said. “The coaches really said they’re going to give me the opportunity to play my freshman year. They’re not guaranteeing a spot. That’s not what I expect, but they are giving me the opportunity.”

LaPrad is no stranger to talented players coming through his program. He’s had three make it to the level of signing big contracts in the NFL. And yet, he reserves a special level of praise for Joyner.

“He’s the most remarkable football player I’ve ever been around,” LaPrad said. “He’s a one-in-a-trillion. Wow. That’s all I’m going to say.”

This story was originally published February 15, 2016 at 3:44 PM with the headline "Coach: South Carolina 2018 QB target Dakereon Joyner ‘one-in-a-trillion’."