South Carolina offensive coordinator Bryan McClendon met with the media after the Gamecocks’ practice Tuesday to give the latest updates on the quarterback depth behind starter Jake Bentley.

McClendon confirmed the reports that freshman Ryan Hilinski has been named the Gamecocks backup quarterback after the staff reviewed the film of Saturday’s scrimmage, meaning Dakereon Joyner will start the season third on the depth chart.

Joyner, a redshirt freshman, was highly recruited and named South Carolina’s Mr. Football coming out of Fort Dorchester in 2017. He has not spoken to the media since Hilinski was named the backup, but did post a positive message on Instagram Tuesday evening, “I’m good. I’m blessed. I appreciate all the love. Breakthrough happens when you align your actions according to your faith.”

Joyner has flashed athleticism in a pair of Garnet and Black spring games and a brief appearance in last season’s win over Chattanooga. That athleticism has some fans wondering if Joyner couldn’t contribute at another position. McClendon did not rule out that possibility, “There’s different scenarios where we could use him. The bottom line is you want to make sure your best guys are out there. If he’s one of the best guys, we want to make sure he’s out there.”

BRYAN MCCLENDON: