South Carolina Football: Mario Anderson nominated for national award

This offseason, South Carolina football fans were unsure of who would play the running back position for the Gamecocks after the team lost its three top returning ‘backs (MarShawn Lloyd, Rashad Amos, and Lovasea Carroll) to transfer and medical retirement.

Then, the Gamecocks made two unexpected moves. Former quarterback/kick returner/wide receiver/wildcat quarterback DK Joyner moved to running back, and Division-II Newberry College ballcarrier Mario Anderson made the jump to the SEC and joined the South Carolina football program through the transfer portal.

Joyner was the starter at the beginning of the season, and he has had some success in short-yardage situations near the goal line, finding the end zone five times this season to lead the team in touchdowns from scrimmage.

However, the player that has emerged as the top back is Anderson. He barely played in the first three weeks of the season, but he has logged at least 98 yards of offense in four of the five games since, averaging over 100 yards per game since becoming the starter. Despite just 92 carries through 8 games and poor offensive line play this season (largely due to injuries up front), Anderson is 10th among SEC running backs in rushing yards.

His strong play has earned him some recognition, including from the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation. The Burlsworth Character Award is given every year to the player who began his career as a walk-on and best combines on-field excellence with off-the-field character. Mario Anderson was nominated for the 2023 award.

For those unfamiliar with his story, Anderson began his career as a walk-on at Newberry College. He paid his way through school by becoming a barber before earning a scholarship and eventually became a finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy, sometimes known as the D-II Heisman Trophy.

Now with the Gamecocks, the former walk-on has continued beating the odds and finding success on the football field. However, his attitude and love for South Carolina football have endeared him to Gamecock fans even more.