Illinois Football News: South Carolina RB Out for Citrus Bowl vs Illini

Gamecocks RB Rocket Sanders has Opted Out of the Citrus Bowl

News: According to the latest depth chart release from South Carolina football, starting running back Rahiem “Rocket” Sanders has officially opted out of the Citrus Bowl against Illinois Football to prepare for the NFL Draft.

Despite speculation, head coach Shane Beamer confirmed the news in a recent press conference, discussing the Gamecock’s next steps for the rushing attack against the Fighting Illini.

Beamer expressed confidence in SC’s depth at the position, despite the loss of an offensive leader with such key production.

Who Fills in For Rocket vs Illinois Football?

Beamer is confident in the rushing attack that they will field in Orlando vs Illinois Football.

“Oscar’s (Adaway III) played a lot of snaps for us,” stated Beamer in his 12/27 presser. “Jawarn Howell we are excited about, Juju (McDowell) is a veteran guy, Matthew Fuller is a guy you may see in this game some carrying the ball. That’s a position that we’re really excited about our young talent at with Jawarn and Matthew, so I’m excited to see those guys run the ball on the 31st.”

Confirmed starter and 6th-year senior Oscar Adaway III finished the 2024 regular season with 226 total yards on 63 carries, and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, sophomore Jawarn Howell has accumulated 92 yards on 14 carries, also finding the end zone twice for the Gamecocks. While the loss of  Sander’s production is certainly a massive blow to SC’s offense, their experience and depth at the position bodes well to fill in for the future draft pick vs the Illini.

If needed, Senior JuJu McDowell is an option as well with 87 yards on 21 carries.

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