Dakereon Joyner takes on UNC at new position, two seasons after USC bowl game magic

Spencer Rattler and Stone Blanton had just committed to South Carolina in December 2021 when they watched the Duke’s Mayo Bowl from their respective homes. Both still remember Dakereon Joyner’s MVP performance.

“I remember DK balling out,” Blanton said. “He had a good game at quarterback, so I remember that. That was good to see.”

“I remember watching it. It was a fun game,” Rattler said. “Hopefully we’ll go out there and compete just like that on Saturday.”

That eye-opening game Joyner played the last time the Gamecocks faced the UNC Tar Heels helped South Carolina win the bowl and finish the season on a high note at 7-6 overall. Joyner — a wide receiver during the 2021 season — surprised everyone when he played quarterback in the Charlotte bowl game and won MVP honors, going 9-for-9 passing for 160 yards and one touchdown.

The Duke’s Mayo Bowl performance cemented Joyner as a fan favorite and team leader, and it helped him become one of the program’s top earners with name, image and likeness opportunities. While it’s been a few years, Joyner said that game was a launching point where he is today.

“I try to put the past in the past,” said Joyner, now a sixth-year senior. “But I can’t ignore the elephant in the room.”

Two seasons later, USC and North Carolina are facing off again at Bank of America Stadium. Joyner is in a new position, now as the starting running back.

He’s facing North Carolina again, but it’s a different team, Joyner said.

“There’s not anything to take away from it,” he said of the 2021 game. “Just gotta focus on myself, focus on my team and things will take care of itself.”

Joyner played quarterback and receiver during the 2022 season, though he was limited early on with a calf injury.

He won the starting running back job for 2023 based on his leadership and maturity, Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer said. His speed and explosiveness helped him physically earn the job, as well, but Beamer put most of his emphasis on Joyner’s personality.

“He showed a toughness, a physical mindset, a professional mindset,” Beamer said. “He was just steady and everything you want in a running back.”

The running back said he’s enjoyed the new role so far, and he still gets the first-game jitters even now in his sixth season of college football.

And with it being Joyner’s final season, that brings its own set of emotions.

“I can’t ignore that, I’m definitely excited,” Joyner said. “Like a kid in a candy shop, Game 1 is already really exciting.”

While it’s not the map Joyner might have previously drawn up for himself, but he said he’s still excited to be a starter and play in Game 1. Beamer said Joyner earned the role because of the work he’s put in, and now wants the veteran to make another strong impression on South Carolina fans.

“It’s his first game playing running back, so hopefully he goes out there and has a fantastic night,” Beamer said. “And he’s another one, though, he’ll continue to get better as the year goes.”

South Carolina vs. UNC game info

Who: South Carolina (0-0) vs. North Carolina (0-0)

Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday

TV: ABC