Does South Carolina have the running back options to replace Rocket Sanders?

The Gamecocks have found themselves in a familiar position heading into the 2025 season – looking for a new star running back to fill the void left by Rocket Sanders. Sanders, who delivered an impressive season with nearly 900 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns in 2024, is now off to pursue his NFL dreams. His departure leaves South Carolina with a critical question: Who will step up to be the next big name in the backfield?

Fortunately, there are some promising options available. Oscar Adaway III returns for his seventh year of college football, having served as Sanders’ backup last season. Adaway had a standout performance in the Citrus Bowl, rushing for 106 all-purpose yards and a touchdown as the lead back. Now, Adaway will compete for the starting role this season.

“I’d definitely say they’re going to have a great year,” Sanders said, speaking highly of his teammate’s potential. “And I mean, definitely with Oscar in there, ’cause you know, he’s an older guy. I feel like he’s got knowledge ’cause he taught me some things as well that I taught him as well. I feel the guys are going to be great.”

In addition to Adaway, South Carolina also brings back Jawarn Howell and Matthew Fuller, both of whom redshirted last season. Head coach Shane Beamer has expressed confidence in their abilities, noting that both players performed well during winter workouts. Beamer acknowledged that these two will be relied upon much more this season.

“Those two guys were really, really impressive, talking about Jawarn and Matthew. So now it’s time for them to take the next step and compete,” Beamer said. “You need more than one, you need more than two, you need more than three, just because of the wear and tear that position has.”

Recognizing the importance of bolstering the running back room after losing Sanders, Beamer and his staff took a strategic step into the transfer portal and added Rahsul Faison from Utah State. Faison had a stellar career with the Aggies, rushing for 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns over two seasons. While his 2023 campaign was solid, it was his breakout year in 2024, when he rushed for over 1,100 yards and eight touchdowns, that caught attention.

However, there is a caveat. Faison has not yet been cleared for eligibility for the upcoming season. While he is allowed to participate in spring practices, he is still waiting for a final ruling from the NCAA after submitting a petition for an additional year of eligibility under the “Pavia” rule.

If Faison gets the green light to play this season, the Gamecocks could be in for a major boost.

“Dawg. Period. D-A-W-G,” Adaway said, enthusiastically describing Faison’s style of play.

Adaway also shared his approach to leadership: “A lot of people try to lead by example. Like a lot of people should lead by example. But I chose this year to lead by experience because I have done it all. I have been injured. I have been on winning teams. I have been on sorry teams. I have been on mid, average teams. Experience is going to go far with me and Rahsul.”

Stay tuned, as the Gamecocks look to fill the void left by Rocket Sanders with a promising group of players that could lead the way in 2025.