It doesn't matter where Juju McDowell plays for South Carolina football. He's going to dance anyway

COLUMBIA — South Carolina football running back Juju McDowell might not know what position he's mainly playing in 2024, but what he does know and thinks about a lot is that it's likely his last season with the Gamecocks.

He wakes up every morning, says a prayer and drives to Williams-Brice Stadium , thinking about his time as a Gamecocks player.

"It's really all I can think about, it's been an amazing four years," McDowell said.

Where he's played the last three years has been inconsistent, bouncing between special teams, backup running back and slot receiver. The 5-foot-9 senior has had moments of success at them all, but what's remained consistent is that McDowell has danced, whether it's during warmups or in the locker room.

"It's natural, it's therapeutic," McDowell said of his dancing. "I wouldn't say it's a hype-up for me personally, I tend to get more responses from others. When I'm just being myself, a lot of the other team members tend to be more comfortable then it's easier and quicker for them to get into their zone and now we are all in the same core."

Before one practice, McDowell greeted teammates while stretching before meeting up with cornerback O’Donnell Fortune to perform their dance-filled custom handshake. It ended with a high five from coach Shane Beamer.

The greetings and handshakes are part of his pregame routine. His head bops to the beat to let everyone know it's time to lock in and play.

As Beamer said, "Juju is Juju."

Juju McDowell at South Carolina football

Since his arrival, McDowell's battled for the No. 1 running back position at South Carolina, but never secured it. Now, the Gamecocks have Arkansas transfer Rocket Sanders, who rushed for 1,426 yards in 2022 before dealing with injuries in 2023, and he is the expected starter this season.

For Beamer, his vision for McDowell this season is rooted in the running back's versatility. He's a veteran leader filled with energy, crafted by South Carolina's system these last four years.

"I wouldn't say Juju is just a whatever type running back that is going to get 10 plays a game," Beamer said. "I see him as more than that and he's had a really good preseason ... Juju may end up being our punt returner, there's a sneak preview at the depth chart."

McDowell shined as a return specialist during his freshman year, with a standout game that Beamer referenced where he had a 63-yard kick return that set up the game-tying touchdown in the fourth quarter against East Carolina.

He's rushed for 530 yards and six touchdowns at South Carolina to go with 352 receiving yards. McDowell has averaged 15.3 yards per kick return.

Last year, McDowell's season ended after he broke his collarbone on Nov. 11. He reaggravated the injury and missed the final weeks of spring practices. This offseason his main priority was recovery. Now that he's healthy again, McDowell just wants to help the Gamecocks.

"I have five or so months left, I'm just trying to make the best of it, I appreciate everything Carolina has brought to me," McDowell said.

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Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at lkesin@gannett.com and follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @Lulukesin

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: It doesn't matter where Juju McDowell plays for South Carolina football. He's going to dance anyway