The latest on Rocket Sanders' recovery
South Carolina fans didn’t get their first glimpse at former All-SEC running back Rocket Sanders in the Garnet and Black this spring due to a shoulder injury but it appears the Arkansas transfer is closing in on a full return.
Gamecocks coach Shane Beamer provided an injury report on his team Tuesday night at the Myrtle Beach start of the Welcome Home Tour.
“Yeah, everybody’s on track,” Beamer said. “I was in the weight room this morning. Another one that stayed around the whole month of May is Rocket. And Rocket was in there this morning at 6:45 in the morning. And he should be full speed ahead and ready to roll when we crank up next week.”
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Sanders, who rushed for 1,443 yards and 10 touchdowns as a sophomore at Arkansas two seasons ago, missed the entire spring while recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.
Running backs Juju McDowell and Bradley Dunn, linebacker Mo Kaba, wide receiver C.J. Adams, and defensive back Zahbari Sandy all missed large portions if not all of the spring with injuries.
Cornerback Judge Collier, offensive lineman Jakai Moore, wide receiver Debron Gatling, defensive back David Spaulding, and EDGE JT Geer were also held out of the spring game with minor injuries.
But it appears the Gamecocks will be getting most of those guys back for the start of summer workouts next week.
“No one new to report,” Beamer added Tuesday. “You worry in the month of May, things happening. And knock on wood, nothing has at this point. But no, everybody’s good. And there’ll be some guys that are still limited coming out of spring. Some guys, obviously, long-term, won’t be able to, like Zahbari Sandy because of the injury he had in spring practice (torn ACL). But everybody else is in a good position right now.”
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Beamer also shared an encouraging update on Kaba, the upperclassmen linebacker who has missed most of the last two seasons due to major knee injuries in each.
“Yeah, he was one that I saw in the weight room yesterday,” Beamer said Tuesday. “He’s a guy that’s hung around for the month of May when they didn’t have to. So saw Mo in the weight room yesterday morning. He’s in great spirits and looks good. And eager to get him back out there without a doubt.”
