Sanders Making Impact for Razorbacks on Sidelines Nearing Return

Dealing with injury for the first time, Sanders helps Hogs in different ways

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – For the first two seasons, running back Raheim "Rocket" Sanders had what every football player dreams of – a clean bill of health. Sanders played in all 26 games, starting all 13 his sophomore year. Now in his third season, Sanders' good fortune in avoiding injuries has run out, but that doesn't mean he isn't making an impact behind the scenes. 

"The great thing about Rocket is he’s a much better person than he is even a football player," Arkansas coach Sam Pittman said. "Very mature. Wants to play ... but he’s handled it professionally and really been a big part of practice even when he wasn’t able to participate as much as we’d like for him to."

Fellow running back Rashod Dubinion said Sanders has managed to contribute in the film room despite recovering from the swelling in his leg that has kept him out the past three games. 

"[He's] keeping us motivated," Dubinion said. "Telling us what he sees on film and what we can do it better. Just staying in touch with us and letting us know he's still here." 

While Pittman wouldn't commit to  Sanders playing this week, the increased action at practice paired with a more upbeat tone certainly suggests he is close. 

"I’m as confident as I’ve been since the Western Carolina game," Pittman said. "I would be lying to you if I told you that I’m sure he’s going to play. I feel better about his opportunity to play, but we still have to see how he recovers from yesterday’s limited reps that he participated in and go from there." 

The Hogs' running room has filled in rather nicely in Sanders' absence. In the three games without Sanders, the other running backs have split 76 carries for 352 yards, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. 

With or without Sanders, the Hogs look to spur their rushing attack against Texas A&M Saturday, Sep. 30 at 11 a.m. at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game can be streamed on SEC Network and fuboTV. 

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