Crootin’ Notebook: South Carolina makes Dakereon Joyner’s final two, JUCOs on campus, notes from The Opening Charlotte

Four-star in-state quarterback Dakereon Joyner announced his top two schools Saturday afternoon, with South Carolina and NC State making the cut. Per 247 Sports Composite rankings, Joyner is the class of 2018’s No. 9 dual-threat quarterback and the third best overall prospect in the state of South Carolina.

Joyner announced last week that he has confirmed his final decision with his family and coaches, but is waiting to make a public announcement until Father’s Day in honor of his late father. The Gamecocks, who have been recruiting Joyner the entirety of his high school career, are thought to be the heavy favorite.

Two JUCO commits have arrived on campus

USC head coach Will Muschamp confirmed at a press conference Monday morning that defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw and linebacker Eldridge Thompson are on campus and eligible for all football-related activities.

Kinlaw, a 6-foot-6, 340 pound four-star prospect from Jones County J.C., will be counted on to contribute early and often on the Gamecock’s defensive line. In 2016 he was widely viewed as one of the nation’s top JUCO defensive lineman.

Thompson, a slightly-less touted three-star prospect joining South Carolina after two seasons at Coffeyville C.C., will add needed depth to a linebacker corps expected to heavily feature Skai Moore, Bryson Allen-Williams and T.J. Brunson.

4-Star LB Quay Walker includes Gamecocks in top-5

Quay Walker, the No. 11 outside linebacker in the nation per 247 Composite Rankings, announced on Saturday that South Carolina is now in his top five schools. The Gamecocks replaced Georgia, who at one point was considered the favorite to land Walker.

Gamecock targets at The Opening Charlotte

Nike’s The Opening, which showcases the nation’s top prospects in a series of regional competitions, had its most recent event this Sunday outside of Charlotte.

2018 commits in attendance included center Hank Maynos of Chapin, SC and wide receiver Darius Rush of Greeleyville, SC. According to JC Shurburtt of The Big Spur, who was in attendance on Sunday, both had impressive showings.

Other priority targets in attendance included North Charleston, SC quarterback Dakereon Joyner, Brentwood, TN tight end Gavin Schoenwald, Shelby, NC linebacker Dax Hollifield, Concord, NC defensive tackle Rick Sandidge, Charlotte, NC offensive lineman Jovaughn Gwyn and Alpharetta, GA cornerback Jaycee Horn.

Will Muschamp was also at the event, but as a father, not a talent evaluator. His son, Class of 2020 quarterback Jackson Muschamp was invited to work out. Jackson is the signal caller for Hammond School in Columbia, SC.

Latest offers

Muschamp and Co. extended another slew of offers Friday evening. In no particular order, scholarships were offered to:

2018 three-star tight end Glenn Beal out of New Orleans, LA.

2018 three-star offensive tackle Jesus Gibbs out of Dumfries, VA.

2018 four-star cornerback and Miami commit Gilbert Frierson out of Miami, FL.

2018 three-star wide receiver Jeshaun Jones out of Fort Myers, FL.

2020 safety Maleik Faust out of Charlotte, NC.