The number five remains salient in Arkansas football lore. Darren McFadden donned that jersey number en route to winning back-to-back Doak Walker Awards and Heisman runners-up. Later, star running back Rakeem Boyd wore the number in 2019. The latest Arkansas RB to wear the vaunted five is sophomore Raheim Sanders. After a great freshman showing in 2021, Sanders is ready to prove he’s All-SEC back in 2022.
Raheim Sanders’ Freshman Year:
Coming into Arkansas, Sanders was supposed to be a slot receiver. However, head coach Sam Pittman decided to slide him behind the quarterback and make him play running back. That decision proved to be a wise one, as Sanders quickly became part of the Razorbacks rotation at running back. In his freshman year, Sanders had 114 attempts rushing, gaining 578 yards and five touchdowns. Sanders’ stats are more impressive when you consider that QB KJ Jefferson and fellow RBs Domonique Johnson and Trelon Smith got a lot of carries as well.
At 6’2, 225 pounds, Sanders possesses the size to run over defenders and easily break tackles. He’s also elite at making cuts and changing direction fast. His combination of size and agility is rare, and it makes him a special talent.
Additionally, his previous run at receiver has allowed him to gain ball skills that other RBs don’t have. During the Alabama game his freshman year, Sanders made an impressive back shoulder catch for a touchdown that caught the eye of the ESPN commentators.
Sophomore Year Outlook:
Coming off last season’s performance, Sanders should get a considerable amount of rushes between the tackles. He could also get counter plays drawn for him to take advantage of his cutting ability. With four starters on the offensive line back, Sanders should still be effective on the ground.
According to QB KJ Jefferson, Sanders is also doing a better job in pass protection in practice. “He (Sanders) knows what’s going on now, he knows protection. He’s talking to O-line, communicating and making sure they know what they’re doing so he can react off it. All in all, on the field, he’s focused,” said Jefferson. With Sanders improved pass protection and RB Trelon Smith transferring out to TCU, expect Sanders to get more carries this season.
With Sanders being on the field more, Arkansas should also try to get him in one-on-one situations against linebackers, where he can win with his agility and ball skills.
Overall, Sanders should have a terrific season for Arkansas and could battle to make an All-SEC team this season.
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