Breaking Down The Differing Skillsets In South Carolina's RB Room
After seeing the dust settle from what was a bevy of departures this offseason, multiple position groups on the offensive side of the ball will field vastly different groups compared to last Fall. This fact is none the more evident than at the running back position, a spot that saw MarShawn Lloyd and Rashod Amos transfer out, Christian Beal-Smith exhaust his remaining eligibility, and Lovasea Carroll medically retire from the sport.
Shane Beamer and South Carolina's offensive coaching staff have since filled in some of those vacant spots through roster moves, the transfer portal, and high school recruiting. These moves led to the room now consisting of four scholarship backs; Juju McDowell, Newberry College transfer Mario Anderson Jr., converted wide receiver Dakereon Joyner, and incoming true freshman Dontavious Braswell.
None of these players possess a complete skillset at the position that makes them stand out, but they each offer different traits that could help Spencer Rattler and this offense in 2023.
Juju McDowell: The June Bug
While Juju doesn't offer the ideal size to be a No. 1 running back in the SEC, what he does offer is a dangerous combination of agility and acceleration, which, combined with his ability to catch the football, makes him a serious threat when in open-space and running routes in the passing game.
Mario Anderson Jr.: Mr. No-Nonsense
In an era where speed and agility dominate the sport, Anderson is a bit of a throwback when it comes to his running style as a one-cut, north-south power back.
Dakereon Joyner: Swiss-Army Knife
Joyner might be new to the group, but he possesses multiple athletic and skill position traits that carry over from wideout and is a bigger body that showcased his ability to handle other duties like catching the ball and pass protection back in the Spring.
Dontavious Braswell: Home-Run Threat
A football and track star at Washington County High School back in Georgia, Braswell has the speed, overall size, and ballcarrier vision to not just make an impact but also make defenses pay for leaving him an open lane to the end zone.
All of these guys figure to get a chance early this Fall to impress the coaching staff and try to earn more snaps in a season that'll indicate the long-term trajectory of South Carolina's running back room.
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