Gamecock Digest

Raheim "Rocket" Sanders Reportedly Back to True Form

Alex Joyce

Sep 30, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman McKinnley Jackson (3) and Arkansas Razorbacks running back Raheim Sanders (5) in action during the game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman McKinnley Jackson (3) and Arkansas Razorbacks running back Raheim Sanders (5) in action during the game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

This past offseason South Carolina added star running back and Arkansas transfer Raheim "Rocket" Sanders to their offense. Though injuries derailed his 2023 season, the Gamecocks were confident he could return to his All-SEC form.

Last week Sanders was held out of the team's scrimmage as a precautionary measure, as were several other players. However in Saturday's scrimmage, Rocket got to show exactly what earned him that nickname as a runner.

"I thought he looked great," Coach Beamer said. "He's a pro. Ran the ball hard. People don't talk about him enough in pass protection. He's really good in pass protection. He runs good routes in the passing game. He's just a really good overall running back. We got him some carries in there today and I thought he showed that he was "Rocket" Sanders."

Head coach Shane Beamer took the time to meet with media members on Saturday night following the team's last scrimmage of fall camp. After talking glowingly about Sanders, Coach Beamer was asked what makes him so confident this year's running back room will succeed.

"An improved offensive line, that's a year older. With the guys that played last year, minus Nick Gargiulo, everybody's back," Coach Beamer explained. "True freshmen that played that played last season who are a year older and better. The return of a true freshman that probably would've been a starter for us had he not gotten hurt, in Markee Anderson. And the arrival of some pretty talented freshmen led by Josiah Thompson. And then the arrival of Torricelli Simpkins and Kamaar Bell on the offensive line. We have a solid eight that we feel comfortable winning SEC football games with."

The only holdout so far this fall camp has been versatile sixth year lineman, Jakai Moore. While Moore hasn't been scrimmaging during camp, Coach Beamer is confident that he'll be ready to go by game one.

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Alex Joyce
ALEX JOYCE

Alex Joyce is a graduate from the University of Georgia with a degree in Journalism. Alex began his career in television as a news and sports reporter. During his career, Alex has been able to cover everything from breaking news to the game’s brightest moments. His passion for journalism drives him to deliver compelling stories and to connect with his audiences.