Updating the Gamecocks quarterback targets
May 22, 2017
COLUMBIA, S.C. — There are several quarterback prospects from the state of South Carolina on the Gamecocks radar, including Dakereon Joyner, Trad Beatty and Luke Doty.
The trio was among the top participants at the EPT Showcase on Sunday at Ridge View High School.
Decision day looming
South Carolina or North Carolina State: Joyner has already told the coaches, now the rest of us wait.
We’ll get his answer next month, on Father’s Day, when he gathers with friends and family to announce his commitment.
“It’s less stressful,” Joyner said. “I’m not too stressed out than I probably would have been if I would have waited to silent commit. I’m excited to get it over with.”
The announcement will be made at Fort Dorchester High School around 4 o’clock on Father’s Day.
In the meantime, Joyner (6-0.5, 202) is focused on preparing for the Elite 11 finals, which are set for June 2-4 in Los Angeles, Calif.
“I’m excited. I get to compete against (Clemson commitment) Trevor (Lawrence) again. I kind of pick up a lot of stuff from him. We kind of pick up a lot of stuff from each other,” Joyner said. “Really, I’m excited. I’m going to compete and hopefully get that top (11) spot.”
Joyner is familiar with several of the competitors, including Emory Jones (Ohio State), Jarren Williams (Kentucky), Devin Leary (N.C. State), Justin Fields (Penn State).
Local QB remains on the radar
Beatty, a 3-star from Ben Lippen School in Columbia, has picked up a handful of offers this month, including Appalachian State, Ball State, Temple and Western Kentucky.
South Carolina offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Kurt Roper has been to the school twice during the spring evaluation period. Georgia offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Jim Chaney has also stopped by.
Mississippi State remains his lone Power 5 offer, but he’s receiving interest from several ACC schools, too. Beatty is one of three quarterbacks the Bulldogs are pursuing for two spots. The other two are 4-star prospects: Gerry Bohanon (Earle, Ark.) and Jalen Mayden (Sachse, Tex.).
Beatty (6-5, 200) transferred to Ben Lippen earlier this year from Chapin, where he played in a two-quarterback system as a junior, completing 93 of 155 throws for 1,414 yards with 13 touchdowns. He also rushed for 345 yards and 3 scores.
On Sunday, he was one of two quarterbacks to receive co-MVP honors at the EPT Showcase.
The up and comer
Beatty was the other quarterback to take home an MVP award from the Showcase. The 2020 prospect from Myrtle Beach with early offers from Charlotte and Coastal Carolina.
It’s only a matter of time before the higher-caliber programs come calling. South Carolina has hosted him for multiple visits. Clemson, N.C. State and Louisville are also expressing interest.
When it came to choosing sides in the in-state rivalry, Doty went with Clemson.
“Growing up with them, my grandparents were always big Clemson fans. My parents were big Clemson fans,” he said. “Growing up, always watching the games. This past year, we started going to more. The atmosphere there is electric and it feels like home.”
But South Carolina has made a strong impression over the last several months.
“It’s definitely different, because we have to adopt the culture of Carolina. It’s just been a learning experience for all of us, but we’ve gotten up there,” Doty said. “We’ve watched some games. We’ve seen the campus. It’s a beautiful place.”
May 22, 2017
COLUMBIA, S.C. — There are several quarterback prospects from the state of South Carolina on the Gamecocks radar, including Dakereon Joyner, Trad Beatty and Luke Doty.
The trio was among the top participants at the EPT Showcase on Sunday at Ridge View High School.
Decision day looming
South Carolina or North Carolina State: Joyner has already told the coaches, now the rest of us wait.
We’ll get his answer next month, on Father’s Day, when he gathers with friends and family to announce his commitment.
“It’s less stressful,” Joyner said. “I’m not too stressed out than I probably would have been if I would have waited to silent commit. I’m excited to get it over with.”
The announcement will be made at Fort Dorchester High School around 4 o’clock on Father’s Day.
In the meantime, Joyner (6-0.5, 202) is focused on preparing for the Elite 11 finals, which are set for June 2-4 in Los Angeles, Calif.
“I’m excited. I get to compete against (Clemson commitment) Trevor (Lawrence) again. I kind of pick up a lot of stuff from him. We kind of pick up a lot of stuff from each other,” Joyner said. “Really, I’m excited. I’m going to compete and hopefully get that top (11) spot.”
Joyner is familiar with several of the competitors, including Emory Jones (Ohio State), Jarren Williams (Kentucky), Devin Leary (N.C. State), Justin Fields (Penn State).
Local QB remains on the radar
Beatty, a 3-star from Ben Lippen School in Columbia, has picked up a handful of offers this month, including Appalachian State, Ball State, Temple and Western Kentucky.
South Carolina offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Kurt Roper has been to the school twice during the spring evaluation period. Georgia offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Jim Chaney has also stopped by.
Mississippi State remains his lone Power 5 offer, but he’s receiving interest from several ACC schools, too. Beatty is one of three quarterbacks the Bulldogs are pursuing for two spots. The other two are 4-star prospects: Gerry Bohanon (Earle, Ark.) and Jalen Mayden (Sachse, Tex.).
Beatty (6-5, 200) transferred to Ben Lippen earlier this year from Chapin, where he played in a two-quarterback system as a junior, completing 93 of 155 throws for 1,414 yards with 13 touchdowns. He also rushed for 345 yards and 3 scores.
On Sunday, he was one of two quarterbacks to receive co-MVP honors at the EPT Showcase.
The up and comer
Beatty was the other quarterback to take home an MVP award from the Showcase. The 2020 prospect from Myrtle Beach with early offers from Charlotte and Coastal Carolina.
It’s only a matter of time before the higher-caliber programs come calling. South Carolina has hosted him for multiple visits. Clemson, N.C. State and Louisville are also expressing interest.
When it came to choosing sides in the in-state rivalry, Doty went with Clemson.
“Growing up with them, my grandparents were always big Clemson fans. My parents were big Clemson fans,” he said. “Growing up, always watching the games. This past year, we started going to more. The atmosphere there is electric and it feels like home.”
But South Carolina has made a strong impression over the last several months.
“It’s definitely different, because we have to adopt the culture of Carolina. It’s just been a learning experience for all of us, but we’ve gotten up there,” Doty said. “We’ve watched some games. We’ve seen the campus. It’s a beautiful place.”