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South Carolina Citrus Bowl depth chart missing star running back Rocket Sanders

by: Kevin Miller12/26/24kevinbmiller52
South Carolina running back Rocket Sanders in his dominant performance against Vanderbilt. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
South Carolina running back Rocket Sanders in his dominant performance against Vanderbilt. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

South Carolina will play against Illinois in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on December 31st. The Orlando matchup will be the first between the programs. Gamecock coach Shane Beamer already has revealed that consensus All-American EDGE (and Nagurski Trophy winner) Kyle Kennard will not play. Kennard should be a high selection in next April’s NFL Draft.

Now, it appears like the other player wearing No. 5 also will miss the game.

The Gamecocks have not listed starting running back Rocket Sanders on the team’s Citrus Bowl depth chart, indicating a likely opt-out. Earlier this week, GamecockCentral learned that Sanders was not practicing, hinting at this decision. It is worth noting that no official announcement has come from Sanders or South Carolina, though, GamecockCentral does not expect him to suit up for the game.

When Beamer announced Kennard’s decision, he also mentioned that another player was “weighing his decision.” It appears that the other player was Sanders. Previously, he declared for the NFL Draft but didn’t address his status for the bowl game. Other NFL Draft hopefuls like Nick Emmanwori and TJ Sanders plan to play against Illinois.

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As a running back who has dealt with injury issues in the past, Rocket Sanders’ decision doesn’t come as too big of a surprise.

Sanders has been projected as an NFL Draft pick, and with the modern state of the running back position in the professional game, an injury could knock him back to a lower (or even undrafted) draft grade. In his stead, Oscar Adaway, Juju McDowell, and Jawarn Howell should see an increase in touches.

Following his transfer from Arkansas to South Carolina, Sanders had a strong final season. He was named one of three Comeback Player of the Year Award recipients. In 2023 in Fayetteville, he missed or played injured for much of the year. He rebounded with about 1200 yards and 13 touchdowns with the Gamecocks despite missing most of one game and parts of another while dealing with an ankle injury.

Without Kennard and Sanders, South Carolina will go for its 10th win on New Year’s Eve. The Gamecocks have only reached double-digit win totals four times previously. The Citrus Bowl will kick off at 3:00 p.m. ABC will broadcast the game, and ESPN+ will make it available for streaming.

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