It’s a snap: Future Gamecock center and QB hit it off during Shrine Bowl week
December 14, 2017
SPARTANBURG - Dakereon Joyner was shaking his head at Hank Manos’ actions at Wednesday’s Shrine Bowl practice.
While most players were wearing long sleeves and sweat pants in the 40-degree temperatures at the morning practice, Manos and a few other offensive linemen had their jersey sleeves rolled up and were wearing shorts. Then after practice ended, the 6-foot-4, 280-pound Chapin center was doing a yoga handstand pose in the middle of the field.
“Yeah, it’s super cold out here. I don’t know about all of that,” Joyner joked.
But the two future South Carolina Gamecocks are enjoying their time together on and off the field this week leading up to Saturday’s Shrine Bowl. A month from now, the two will be at USC as part of the early signee class. Joyner and Manos will sign Dec. 20 on the first day of the early period and move in Jan. 10.
Joyner and Manos have become friends, seeing each other a lot over the past two years at USC camps and football games. But this week is the first time the two have been teammatesand giving USC fans a glimpse of their possible future quarterback and center combo.
“We have been friends throughout the whole recruiting process. Kinda met each other through USC,” Manos said. “Through this week, we kinda have built a stronger bond not just between us but through all the other USC commits. I’m extremely happy he’s a Gamecock.”
Joyner also had high praise for Manos and said he has all the qualities you want your center to have.
“He is a bigger center that I am used to, and I feel safe back there, and I am looking forward to that,” Joyner said. “He is big, fast and athletic.”
Joyner and Manos likely will have different paths to getting on the field early at USC. Joyner, SC’s Mr. Football, will have to wait behind two-year starter Jake Bentley, who is going into his junior season. But it is possible USC can work in a package to bring him into the game.
Manos has a chance to play next season with senior Alan Knotts graduating.
“My goal is to go in and fight for a spot, fight for every rep. That is how I hope to see it go down,” Manos said.
GAME INFO
What: 81st Annual Shrine Bowl
When: Saturday, 2 p.m.
Where: Wofford College
TV/Internet: Game will be carried live on ESPN3.com and aired at a later date on ESPNU.
THE STATE
December 14, 2017
SPARTANBURG - Dakereon Joyner was shaking his head at Hank Manos’ actions at Wednesday’s Shrine Bowl practice.
While most players were wearing long sleeves and sweat pants in the 40-degree temperatures at the morning practice, Manos and a few other offensive linemen had their jersey sleeves rolled up and were wearing shorts. Then after practice ended, the 6-foot-4, 280-pound Chapin center was doing a yoga handstand pose in the middle of the field.
“Yeah, it’s super cold out here. I don’t know about all of that,” Joyner joked.
But the two future South Carolina Gamecocks are enjoying their time together on and off the field this week leading up to Saturday’s Shrine Bowl. A month from now, the two will be at USC as part of the early signee class. Joyner and Manos will sign Dec. 20 on the first day of the early period and move in Jan. 10.
Joyner and Manos have become friends, seeing each other a lot over the past two years at USC camps and football games. But this week is the first time the two have been teammatesand giving USC fans a glimpse of their possible future quarterback and center combo.
“We have been friends throughout the whole recruiting process. Kinda met each other through USC,” Manos said. “Through this week, we kinda have built a stronger bond not just between us but through all the other USC commits. I’m extremely happy he’s a Gamecock.”
Joyner also had high praise for Manos and said he has all the qualities you want your center to have.
“He is a bigger center that I am used to, and I feel safe back there, and I am looking forward to that,” Joyner said. “He is big, fast and athletic.”
Joyner and Manos likely will have different paths to getting on the field early at USC. Joyner, SC’s Mr. Football, will have to wait behind two-year starter Jake Bentley, who is going into his junior season. But it is possible USC can work in a package to bring him into the game.
Manos has a chance to play next season with senior Alan Knotts graduating.
“My goal is to go in and fight for a spot, fight for every rep. That is how I hope to see it go down,” Manos said.
GAME INFO
What: 81st Annual Shrine Bowl
When: Saturday, 2 p.m.
Where: Wofford College
TV/Internet: Game will be carried live on ESPN3.com and aired at a later date on ESPNU.
THE STATE