AS SOUTH CAROLINA APPROACHES THE SPRING GAME, THE RUNNING BACK COMPETITION INTENSIFIES
as the south carolina gamecocks gear up for their annual spring game, all eyes are on the increasingly competitive battle in the backfield. with the 2025 season on the horizon, the coaching staff is looking to solidify a dependable ground game—something that was inconsistent at times during the previous campaign. now, a fresh crop of running backs is stepping up, each eager to take control of the top spot.
returning veteran dakereon joyner, who made the switch to running back last season, has been one of the early standouts in camp. his versatility and experience in the offense have made him a natural leader in the group. while joyner’s running style leans more toward elusiveness and agility, he’s worked throughout the offseason to add more physicality to his game.
behind him, redshirt sophomore dj braswell is pushing hard for a larger role. braswell’s explosive speed and quick cuts have turned heads during early spring practices. coaches have noted his improved vision and decision-making, especially in zone running schemes. “he’s hungry,” said offensive coordinator dowell loggains. “you can see it in the way he hits the hole and finishes every rep.”
true freshman amari brown has also made an impression since arriving on campus. the highly-touted recruit from georgia brings a mix of power and acceleration rarely seen in first-year backs. although still learning the playbook, brown’s raw talent has been impossible to ignore, and he’s expected to get plenty of carries in the spring game.
also in the mix is juju mcdowell, who returns as one of the more experienced backs on the roster. mcdowell’s shiftiness and reliability in pass protection give him an edge in third-down situations. he’s embraced a leadership role and has been a mentor to the younger backs while still fighting for his own snaps.
the increased competition has sparked an energy in practice that head coach shane beamer welcomes. “iron sharpens iron,” beamer said. “we want these guys pushing each other every day, making each other better. it’s going to come down to who’s consistent and who can be trusted in all phases of the game.”
fans attending the spring game at williams-brice stadium are expected to get a good look at each of these backs. with limited live reps during practice, the game will provide a crucial opportunity for players to separate themselves. how they perform under the lights could go a long way in shaping the depth chart heading into summer workouts.
while no clear front-runner has emerged just yet, the depth and variety at running back could ultimately be a strength for the gamecocks in 2025. whether it’s joyner’s leadership, braswell’s speed, brown’s upside, or mcdowell’s experience, the backfield is brimming with potential—and that’s exactly what south carolina needs as they continue their climb in the sec.
