Mario Anderson's growth as a running back is more than just being a ballcarrier
As South Carolina heads into the final month of the regular season, DII transfer Mario Anderson has established himself as the Gamecocks go-to running back.
But that’s not only because Anderson has been able to give the Gamecocks a spark in the run game.
“It’s eye discipline. He has clean eyes now. His mind is clean now. There’s no clutter,” said offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains. “He can process those things. ‘Hey, I have my protection responsibilities to chip and now to help and get out in the passing game. That’s where he’s won our confidence. He wasn’t playing that way in August and September and now he is. He’ll continue to play that way because he continues to be a professional and continues to do things the right way.”
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Earlier this week, it was announced that Anderson is one of 73 players from Division I (FBS) that has been nominated for the 2023 Burlsworth Trophy. The Burlsworth Trophy is given to the most outstanding football player in American who began his career as a Walk-On and has shown outstanding performance on the field. Anderson began his career as a walk-on at Newberry in 2019. His journey led him to South Carolina this year and he’s made the most out of his opportunities.
Anderson has appeared in seven of the Gamecocks’ eight games and has rushed for 468 yards on 92 carries with two rushing touchdowns. He’s also caught 11 passes for 80 yards and hauled in a reception for a touchdown.
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“I think the kid has learned how to play without the ball. When you get into situations, it’s not just about carrying the ball, which he’s done a great job with. He’s become a more physical downhill runner. You can see his confidence. Guys who break tackles know where to put their eyes. They’re confident in their ability to run through arm tackles. Since the bye-week he has greatly improved. Getting to the point from the start of the season to the bye, he’s greatly improved. Most times success builds confidence. Confidence is only built from demonstrated ability. Well, now he’s actually putting it on tape and doing it.
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“He’s really good with chips. He understands protections when we call chips and nodges and how to fit the tackles. He does a great job of communicating with the tackle. ‘Hey, I’m here, I’m here.’ Sometimes when you call chips you still have to check your protection before you go and help the tackle. It’s not, ‘Hey, we’re gonna go chip.’ Sometimes (the defense does) certain things to take you off chips and that’s where he’s grown.”
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Anderson has led South Carolina’s running back room in snaps the past five games. That workload includes being on offense for 213 of USC’s 326 snaps. As he continues to to make the jump up from DII to the SEC, Loggains is challenging him to keep growing.
“He’s a really physical guy. He plays hard. Now, he needs to become a pro with taking care of his body because he’s getting hit a lot. He’s become kind of the workhorse running back for us. So there’s another level. Alright, you can carry the ball and you can play well without the ball but now can you become the all around player and continue to take care of your body as well?”
