South Carolina is losing their star running back Raheim "Rocket" Sanders to the NFL draft this offseason, and it is going to create a problem if head coach Shane Beamer can't get another guy in this offense.
While the Gamecocks didn't have a rusher over 1,000 yards this season, it took a committee of two great runners to give South Carolina an elite rushing offense. Sanders was one half of that duo, and quarterback LaNorris Sellers was the other half, so without Sanders, where does that leave the running back room when Sellers has to play quarterback?
The good news is that the transfer portal is still open and South Carolina has a lot of options to choose from, but one just might be the best fit.
Alabama running back Justice Haynes is the top running back in the 2025 transfer portal, according to 247Sports, and he had his official visit to South Carolina. The bad news for the Gamecocks is that Haynes is making official visits to a lot of schools right now, including a few SEC rivals.
It has been reported by On3 that Haynes seems to be between the Gamecocks and the Ole Miss Rebels, but Michigan is still in the running as well. Haynes has a solid sophomore season with 448 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns.
South Carolina has depth at the running back position, but that depth doesn't exactly have a lot of experience. Even though Haynes only brings two years of experience, he brings power conference, but most importantly, SEC experience.
The rushing attack can not be on Sellers' shoulders next season because, in order to help with potential injury, he needs to take as few hits as possible. Haynes could bring a lot to this South Carolina offense, and it seems like the Gamecocks rolled the red carpet out for the four-star transfer.