Rocket Sanders didn't shed a lot of light on playing for South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl after he declared for the NFL Draft last week.
But with the star running back not being listed on the Gamecocks' official depth chart for the game on New Year's Eve in Orlando, it appears Sanders won't be suiting up 1 last time for South Carolina before he chases his NFL dream.
The 6-foot, 230-pound Sanders had a strong final season in Columbia, piling up 881 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns in 2024. Sanders also had 27 catches for 316 yards and 2 TDs through the air.
According to GamecockCentral, Sanders has not been practicing for the bowl game, hinting at the decision to leave him off the depth chart. But no official announcement has come from Sanders or South Carolina, though GamecockCentral does not expect him to suit up for the bowl game.
As a running back who has dealt with injury issues in the past, Sanders' apparent decision not to play in the Citrus Bowl doesn't come as a surprise.
The 9-3 Gamecocks and 9-3 Illinois will kick things off in the Citrus Bowl at shortly after 3 p.m. ET on ABC from Orlando. Barring something unexpected, the game won't include one of South Carolina's best players in 2024.