COLUMBIA, S.C. — Raheim Sanders, the running back for South Carolina, has recently confirmed why he is nicknamed “Rocket.”
When he picks up speed, it’s nearly impossible for opposing players to catch him.
After an impressive performance in a 28-7 win against then-No. 24 Vanderbilt, where he rushed for 126 yards and scored two touchdowns, Sanders expressed his excitement, saying, “When I see that green grass, I think, ‘Man, lovely.’”
The Gamecocks, now ranked 23rd with a record of 6-3 and 4-3 in the Southeastern Conference, are looking to maintain Sanders’ explosive play as they prepare to face No. 24 Missouri this Saturday.
Against the Commodores, Sanders showcased his agility, averaging 8.2 yards per carry. He had touchdown runs of 33 and 1 yard and also made a significant impact by catching a 43-yard touchdown pass from LaNorris Sellers, which helped the Gamecocks become a challenging opponent in the SEC.
This performance is just one in a series of strong showings for Sanders, who previously was an Arkansas standout, finishing second in the SEC in rushing with 1,443 yards and ten touchdowns two seasons ago.
In South Carolina’s last three victories, which included games against Oklahoma (35-9) and a ranked Texas A&M team (44-20), Sanders scored five of his ten touchdowns this season, featuring a notable 144 rushing yards against the Aggies.
“I’ve learned the importance of trusting the process on the field and being receptive to coaching, which has been incredibly beneficial,” Sanders remarked.
Feeling as though the game is returning to him after struggling with injuries in 2023, Sanders aimed to build on his strong All-SEC season but was limited to just six games due to his physical setbacks. Seeking a fresh start, he reconnected with South Carolina’s offensive coordinator, Dowell Loggains, who had previously worked with him at Arkansas.
At South Carolina, Sanders has found a promising dual-threat quarterback in Sellers, who presents a constant challenge for defenses, complemented by a stable and healthy offensive line.
“The key for our improvement lies in our daily communication,” Sanders shared. “Becoming acquainted off the field has elevated our cohesion as a team.”
“If we continue to function as a cohesive unit, there are no limits to what we can achieve,” he added.
In the offseason, Loggains noted that Sanders may have been carrying too much weight, exceeding 240 pounds, which likely contributed to his injury problems. Currently, Sanders is at a more agile 230 pounds.
“If I hadn’t missed that year with him post-Arkansas, I would say he looks like that same player full of energy, size, and professionalism,” Loggains emphasized.
As a result of Sanders’ efforts, the Gamecocks’ rushing performance has markedly improved. They currently rank fifth in the SEC, averaging over 180 rushing yards per game, a stark contrast from the previous season when they struggled, finishing last with only 85.1 yards per game.
South Carolina’s head coach, Shane Beamer, attributes this growth to several factors including Sellers’ skill set, the development of the offensive line, and innovative play-calling that takes advantage of Sanders’ capabilities.
Sanders’ breakout moment came in September against then-No. 14 LSU, where he amassed 143 yards and two touchdowns in a narrow 36-33 defeat, despite the Gamecocks leading at one point 17-0. Unfortunately, he sustained an ankle injury during that game, limiting his participation to nine carries across the following two contests, including a tough 27-3 loss to Mississippi.
Determined to return to form, Sanders relied on the drive he built during the offseason.
“His commitment and desire to improve have been evident, and it’s rewarding to see his hard work translate into success,” Beamer commented.