Breaking Down The Gamecocks Latest Position Changes As We Creep Closer To The Start Of Spring Practice

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With spring practice a week or so away, football is back in the news as a few Gamecocks have had their positions updated via GamecocksOnline.com.

Dakereon Joyner, who was primarily a quarterback last season, seems to have shifted to a full-time wide receiver.

Defensive back Israel Mukuamu’s player bio has added “may see time at safety”.

These really shouldn’t come as any surprise.

Mukuamu has the size to play safety. Many fans have questioned why he wasn’t playing there before.

Mukuamu and Jaycee Horn were the only corners last year with any experience. 

Now that Jammie Robinson burst onto the scene with a solid freshman season, Will Muschamp and Travaris Robinson have some options to move guys around.

Mukuamu is one of those options. 

The Gamecocks lost JT Ibe to graduation and Jamyest Williams transferred out. RJ Roderick is the only returning player with experience. 

Jaylin Dickerson has ability but hasn’t been able to stay healthy.  

I don’t see Mukuamu starting at safety.

However, I think he slides over to safety when the Gamecocks go to a nickel package.

South Carolina still has John Dixon, Shilo Sanders and Cam Smith to contribute at corner. O’Donnell Fortune looks to be a part of the secondary as a freshman.

Simply put, South Carolina finally has plenty of bodies at corner to move Mukuamu to safety. 

Joyner’s situation is somewhat different.

South Carolina has depth at quarterback this year, and actually has depth at receiver. There just aren’t many guys that have produced. 

Most knew Dak would move to receiver once Collin Hill transferred.

Hill will challenge Ryan Hilinski for the starting job, and don’t be surprised if Luke Doty puts up a good fight. 

Joyner is a playmaker and would be wasted riding the bench as a backup quarterback.

He has shown he has a quick burst and can make guys miss in space. I’m glad this comes out before spring. I think the offseason will really help the transition to his new position. 

Dak provides plenty of options and can be used as a “Swiss Army knife” type player. He will be perfect for quick screens along with jet sweeps/reverses.

Look for him to take some snaps at quarterback as a change of pace and to provide some trick plays.

Dak can make a nice duo with Shi Smith and open the door for the younger receivers to step up their game

Overall, these position changes shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone and I think will pay off Will Muschamp and company in the long run.

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