SEC star running back listed among college football players ready for bounce-back seasons in 2024 by PFF

When discussing the 2024 NFL Draft running back class last offseason, former Arkansas running back Raheim “Rocket” Sanders was a player that was talked about at, or near the top of the list. Of course, the 2024 season did not go up to Sanders’ expectations. While dealing with an injury, Sanders rushed for just 209 yards and two touchdowns while limited to six games, opposed to the 1,443 yards and 10 scores the year prior.

In a surprising move, Sanders opted to return to school and transfer to South Carolina for his final year. He has done mostly under the radar this offseason, except according to Pro Football Focus who named Sanders as one of the five players who are poised for bounce-back seasons in 2024.

Blessed with imposing size at a verified 6-0 and 236 pounds, with underrated foot quickness and vision, Sanders is one of the more talented running backs in the SEC and all of college football. From an NFL Draft perspective, scouts are in wait and see mode right now with the talented runner. There were high opinions last offseason, but that luster has worn off a good bit.

While viewed as a downhill and powerful runner, Sanders also showcased some impact in the passing game in 2022. In that season, he hauled in 28 receptions for 271 yards and two touchdowns through the air. That comfort as a receiver made for an extremely interesting projection to the NFL level.

The decision to end his career with the Gamecocks was a curious one. He goes into an offense that should look a lot different in the passing game, led by redshirt freshman quarterback LaNorris Sellers. He will be behind an offensive line that hasn’t been overly impressive the last few seasons. Sanders will be challenged to play through contact and avoid chaos.

South Carolina offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains would be smart to find unique ways to get Rocket the football this fall. He has a chance to again get college football fans and NFL evaluators to begin talking about him again, a potentially rise amongst a talented group of running backs in the 2025 NFL Draft class.