On Tuesday, South Carolina hosted representatives from all 32 NFL teams for its annual Pro Day. Each of the NFL teams in attendance were able to see running back Raheim Sanders go through drills as he prepares for the next stop in his football journey.
In his one year with the Gamecocks, Sanders made a huge impact as he rushed for 881 yards and 11 touchdowns on 183 carries while tallying 27 receptions for 316 yards and two touchdowns. In three games this past season, Sanders rushed for over 100 yards which came against LSU (143 yards), Texas A&M (144) and Vanderbilt (126).
Sanders participated in the East-West Shrine Bowl while also making his way to Indianapolis last month for the NFL Scouting Combine. Tuesday was another opportunity for Sanders to showcase his talent in front of each NFL team.
“It was great,” Sanders said following the workout. “Just to show that I am ready for the next level. I feel like it was great.”
“Really, route running because drill work, I have down,” he added on what he wanted to show on Tuesday. “I still need more work at every cylinder, but definitely route running. I feel like I showed that today.”
Below, we will take a look at the rest of what Sanders had to say in his interview following Pro Day.
On what the draft process has been like for him
“Been great. It’s a blessing. Not just going through the process, but meeting all the guys you see on TV. Definitely at the combine and shoutout to the Shrine Bowl. They helped me out talking to coaches, feeling more comfortable with myself.”
On what he feels teams like about him
“I feel like the key thing they like about me is being honest, no matter what, when it comes down the playbook or life things, in general. Having someone that is honest on your team goes a long way. I learned that from my mom growing up.”
On if teams like that he was in college for four years, still young
“When it comes down to miles, I don’t see it like that. I have been through a lot of adversity. I feel like they like that. I always say 2023 was my year that I learned not just about football, but myself by being a better dad, being a better brother to my other siblings. Just being better overall. The miles come with it. At the end of the day, I still have to show it no matter what.”
On getting closer and closer to playing in the NFL
“I still don’t feel it. I treat every day like I am going to the NFL, no matter what. I definitely don’t feel it yet. Going through the process, it was a blessing. I am just here and working and getting better day-by-day.”
On how much he talks about his work with Chip Morton as he worked back from his injury
“They asked about that. Even the guys that weren’t in the weight room helped me. It was a blessing to be here. Not just this opportunity, but starting off the season because nobody knew where I was going to go this year. It was a blessing all around. Just staying focused and keeping the main thing, the main thing.”
On the running back room in 2025
“Just the fight. I feel like every day, I came in and just competed with the guys. They were surprised because they thought I was going to come in and try and be that guy. I took everything I got from Arkansas and brought it here. Just got the guys better around me. I would definitely say they are going to have a great year. With Oscar (Adaway) in there, he is an older guy and I feel like he has knowledge. He taught me some things and I taught him, as well. I feel like the guys are going to be great.”
On what he looks for in teams
“I do my research for every team. A team that is going to make me better overall. Not just a player but have veteran guys around me to learn from them so I can teach the other rookies that come in, as well.”
