South Carolina is set to lose their star running back, Raheim “Rocket” Sanders, to the NFL Draft this offseason, creating a major hole in the offense that head coach Shane Beamer will need to fill.
While the Gamecocks didn’t have a 1,000-yard rusher this season, they relied on a dynamic duo—Sanders and quarterback LaNorris Sellers—to form one of the most effective rushing offenses in the country. Without Sanders, questions arise about the running back position, especially when Sellers is also required to focus on playing quarterback.
The silver lining is that the transfer portal remains open, offering South Carolina numerous options to bolster their backfield. One of the best possible fits is Alabama running back Justice Haynes, who is considered the top running back in the 2025 transfer portal according to 247Sports. Haynes recently visited South Carolina, but the Gamecocks face competition as he’s also visiting several other schools, including SEC rivals.
Justice Haynes,
Reports from On3 suggest Haynes is choosing between South Carolina, Ole Miss, and possibly Michigan. Haynes had an impressive sophomore season, rushing for 448 yards and seven touchdowns, and his experience in the SEC could be invaluable to the Gamecocks.
Although South Carolina has depth at running back, most of the players lack significant experience, making Haynes an appealing option. While he has just two years of college experience, his time in the SEC could give him the edge South Carolina needs.
The Gamecocks cannot afford to rely solely on Sellers to carry the rushing load next season, as doing so would increase the risk of injury. Haynes could be a game-changer for the offense, and it seems like South Carolina is rolling out the red carpet in hopes of securing his commitment.
Leave a Reply