Offensive line and running back room chemistry grows as success skyrockets
As success and weekly honors shower South Carolina’s offense, there has been a noticeable change in team chemistry.
Torricelli Simpkins III was named an Outland Trophy National Player of the Week after his performance against Texas A&M. However, the redshirt senior had nothing but praise for his running backs and the rest of the offensive line.
“It means a lot, it starts up front with all my guys, though,” Simpkins said. “If we don’t get our running backs down the field with good runs, having a lot of rushing yards, all together neither one of us is going to win the award. So, it starts with them and me being able to come out with the award twice. It just shows that we’re all playing for each other.”
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Building culture and chemistry starts not only on the field but outside of football. Spending time together off the field has resulted in a positive impact on their team success.
“The running backs, they started coming in our meetings, come and sit with us the day before games, throughout the week. Then during practice, they come chill with us. When we are all out on break, they are around us,” Simpkins said.
The chemistry is undeniable by Simpkins, even if time spent together is shared at a dinner buffet.
“Outside of football, we go to a buffet anytime we have a good game,” Simpkins said. “So, they come chill with us and just building our chemistry is always good between your running back, quarterback and o-line. You always want to have those types of chemistry with your guys.”
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Running back Rocket Sanders is another offensive player who has seen success as a result of this chemistry. Sanders has already tied his previous season-high rushing touchdowns in 2022 with 10.
“I feel more comfortable just talking to them every day,” Sanders said. “Outside of football as well I feel like that’s what’s making us a better unit. I feel like any offense and any lead when it comes down to getting the offense going, we got to put it on our running backs and start with the offensive line.”
Following the win over Vanderbilt, Sanders was named the SEC co-offensive player of the week, along with Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, for his three-touchdown performance in Nashville.
“I feel like we have to work as a unit and when you work as a unit the sky is the limit,” Sanders said.
