Rocket Sanders provides positive update on shoulder injury
Despite a shoulder injury delaying liftoff for new South Carolina running back Raheim ‘Rocket’ Sanders in Columbia, on Wednesday the Arkansas transfer shared that he’s pleased with how recovery is going.
“I feel like I’m in a spot where the process is going fast,” said Sanders, who suffered a torn labrum towards the end of last season. “I didn’t know I was going to be (this far along in my recovery) but where I’m at right now I feel like I’m in the best position with my body.”
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Sanders was a monster in 2022 rushing for 1,443 yards and ten touchdowns. He also had 271 yards on 28 receptions and two scores. Injuries and a new offense kept Rocket from taking off the same way in 2023 but don’t let that fool you. There’s a reason why he was considered the No.4 running back in the transfer portal according despite having to get surgery to repair his labrum this offseason.
While it’s been tough for him to watch from sidelines this spring, he shared that he’s felt very involved still with what’s going on.
“At Arkansas with my knee (injury), during the season it was awful for me just because I’m not used to watching and observing (others play)… But when I came here, I feel like they made me feel like family. When I’m out there, I’m encouraging the other running backs even though I’m not (out) there (practicing).”
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Sanders appeared to be extremely optimistic that he’ll be ready to go come fall camp. But, that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been putting in extra work now.
“Whenever we’re in the film room, I’m just absorbing the film and helping (the other running backs) out… With spring, there’s a mental part of it. I’ve just been getting a lot of film in, (learning) the plays, studying, and helping the guys around me.”
