South Carolina star declaring for NFL Draft leaves gaping hole on offense

South Carolina star running back Raheim "Rocket" Sanders has made a decision on his future, and unfortunately, it is not with the Gamecocks. Sanders, who could have taken another year of eligibility, has chosen to leave college behind and test the waters of the NFL.

South Carolina RB Raheim Sanders officially declares for NFL Draft

After spending three seasons at Arkansas, Sanders took the chance and transferred to South Carolina to join Shane Beamer's offense. The decision paid off immensely as Sanders broke out in 2024, especially after dealing with some tough injuries in the last year.

After spending just four years playing college football, Sanders has decided to officially declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. Sanders, who often went by the nickname "Rocket," spent three seasons at Arkansas and had a breakout year in 2022 with 1,443 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns and was a threat in the passing game with 271 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.

However, 2023 turned out to be a tough season for the young running back as he only appeared in six games due to a knee injury, followed by a shoulder injury that required complex surgery, leaving his football career in question.

Sanders wasn't going to let an injury set him back, as he worked through rehab and felt like a new place was the best way to get a new start, landing him with South Carolina. Although Sanders didn't surpass his career high in rushing yards, he was still a game-changer for the Gamecocks with 881 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns, one including a game-winning TD against Missouri, and again was a threat in the passing game with 316 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

Sanders' 2024 season earned him a Comeback Player of the Year award and enough confidence to head to the NFL. In a draft where the RB position is going to be stacked, Sanders will probably be projected to go later in the draft, but the running back position is becoming more and more of a need for teams, especially with the injuries seen this season.

Sanders announcing his decision for the NFL Draft also means that he will be opting out of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against No. 20 Illinois, which is set to take place in less than two weeks.