Raiders' Lamarcus Joyner embracing role of mentor to several positions

Share

NAPA – The Raiders told veteran slot cornerback Lamarcus Joyner to be tough on Hunter Renfrow. Coaches want the rookie receiver tested even in practice, to see if he can make an instant impact.

One problem: Making life hard on Renfrow isn’t always easy. The Clemson product got open quick against Joyner early in Raiders training camp and made some nice catches. That brought head coach Jon Gruden and offensive coordinator Paul Guenther over to Joyner for a chat.

“They said, ‘Hey, we told you to help mentor the guy, not get your butt kicked,’” Joyner said after Thursday’s practice. “I’m like, ‘Woah, woah, slow your roll.’ I was like, ‘You just opened up a can of worms there.’ So it’s been a competition.”

Joyner has pushed back and won a fair share, but Renfrow still keeps a tally from their jousts.

“He came up to me the other day and was like, ‘We’re 2-1.’” Joyner said with a smile. “He was winning, so I was like, ‘I hate to break it to you, you’re not catching any more balls.’ It’s been going great. It’s been friendly competition. He’s here because he’s a great route runner. He’s very smart and intelligent. He’s going to get me ready for Sunday and I’m going to get him ready for Sunday. We’ve been competing that way.”

The Raiders have asked Joyner to help Renfrow, but that's far from his only protege. He has played cornerback and safety at an excellent level in his career, so he has young players from both positions knocking on the door asking for guidance.

One issue: This isn’t some old man on his career’s last legs, who can help more as a mentor than a producer.

Joyner’s 28, is in the prime of his athletic career. He came to play.

Joyner was given a mint to join the Raiders and produce. That’s the only line on his job description, but he has welcomed this additional role as mentor and team leader.

“I just love the guys here,” Joyner said. “They recognize my accomplishments as a good football player. I don’t look at myself as anything great. I’m still trying to become great. I have seen and I know a lot. My biggest goal while I’m here is to pour out myself for the guys around me so we can be a great defense. I try to be selfless, all about my guys.”

Younger players from the secondary to the receiver corps value Joyner’s advice, which comes both during and after practice. Case and point: He took extra time to individually work with Isaiah Johnson on technique after practice on Monday.

First-round draft pick Johnathan Abram absorbs what Joyner says like a sponge, trying to be the versatile threat Joyner has been for so many years. They have become friends away from the game, as have their families. Abram has utmost respect for how Joyner conducts his business and performs.

“Lamarcus is very patient, being around him because he has three kids and I will admit I am kind of a kid at times,” Abram said. “I like to have fun and those guys are very patient with me. Just being around and you get to see what it is like being on your sixth year, so it’s different. It’s very special.”

[RELATED: Abram, Joseph syncing up in secondary]

Joyner was a dominant vocal leaders with the Rams, but he has taken on that role here and given confidence to a young secondary trying to establish itself.

“Lamarcus, he’s probably got the best energy in the room,” cornerback Gareon Conley said. “He always has high spirits and positivity. He just lifts everybody in the room. It’s good to have someone like that If you’re feeling tired or anything like that, he’s always going to lift you up. He always plays hard.”

Contact Us