Marquel Blackwell ready to watch Rocket Sanders compete
South Carolina’s new running backs coach Marquel Blackwell has a lot to be excited about with all the talented players in his position room. Especially Arkansas transfer Raheim “Rocket” Sanders who brings an extra level of experience and explosiveness.
When healthy, Sanders has proven to be one of the best running backs in the country. In 2022, he ran for 1,443 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 6.5 yards per carry. He took a step back last season, mainly due to injuries. But with a fresh start, he could get back to his old self.
“I’m looking forward to it, he’s a great football player. Talking to him the last couple of days, he’s a great person,” Blackwell said. ”I’m looking forward to him coming in and competing and getting this room to be an elite room in the SEC.”
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Blackwell, meanwhile, comes to South Carolina with SEC experience, having coached at Ole Miss in 2022 and Texas A&M last year. Coaching running backs is not a new task for Blackwell as he coached the position at Western Kentucky, Toledo, West Virginia and Houston as well.
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When Blackwell was at Ole Miss, he coached then-freshman Quinshon Judkins, who rushed for a career-best 1,567 yards.
With a restocked running back room, Blackwell is looking forward to the high level of competition especially from Sanders. Blackwell coached against Sanders when he was at Ole Miss and Sanders was at Arkansas but now the two will get the chance to work together.
Blackwell’s style of coaching and Sanders’ speed and power has potential to be a dangerous combination for South Carolina’s opponents.
