Entering the 2024 football season, Gamecock fans know the situation the offense finds itself in. A promising but unproven young QB is taking over, the offensive line has exciting pieces but is coming off a season in which they left a lot to be desired, and the receivers have immense potential but the group as a whole is a giant enigma.

One could make the argument that the running back room is also a group with uncertainties, and they’d be right. However, this unit is the most proven on the offensive side of the ball and houses one of the most electric players on the roster in Raheim “Rocket” Sanders which is why I believe he is South Carolina’s offensive x-factor.

There is some advantage to having an offense composed of young players each with a high potential who are, at this point, unproven. The identity of the offense can take on many forms. While there is a chance that the Gamecocks will trust QB LaNorris Sellers enough to put the ball in his hands and feature the passing game as the primary offensive attack, it seems unlikely given the aforementioned concerns to the offensive line and receiving position. One of the best ways to support a developing QB is to empower him with a strong rushing attack. This looks like it will be the focal point of the offense led by Rocket Sanders.

In 2022, Sanders rushed for 1,443 yards on 222 carries with 10 TDs. He added 2 more TDs through the air as well. Injuries got the best of him last season, but he clearly demonstrated two seasons ago what he’s capable of and did so against SEC competition. 

If he can get back to this level or close to it, imagine what the Gamecocks will be capable of offensively. To have one RB go over 1,000 yards in a season would imply that the offensive line, for the most part, is holding its own carving out holes in the defense for chunk yards, thus avoiding 3rd and long situations.

This would do wonders for his confidence at QB and for the passing game. Avoiding 3rd and obvious passing situations is going to be crucial for the development of Sellers and the receivers. For Sanders to get back to this level of football will open so many doors for the entire offense and will allow it to reach its highest potential.

I don’t want to paint this picture that the offense will only be successful if Sanders gets back to his 2022 numbers. There are other talented RBs on the roster including Oscar Adaway whose ceiling is incredibly high who can and will contribute significantly to the rushing attack.

In the event that Sanders doesn’t live up to expectations, there is still enough talent to showcase an effective running game. Sellers himself will likely be involved in the rushing attack, and players like JuJu McDowell and DJay Braswell are returning with experience at the position.

I also believe that the offensive passing game has too much potential to not have success if called upon more than desired. That said, behind the best version of South Carolina’s passing attack will be a strong and dependable running game led by Raheim Sanders.

Best case scenario for the Gamecocks’ is an offense led by a high-powered rushing attack combined with an effective and efficient complementary passing game. I think this starts with Sanders. If he can produce remotely close to his 2022 numbers, the offense will thrive and reach its highest potential.