RB Rankings: Raheim Sanders

As we review the RB rankings, players have had a chance to raise their stock and move up the rankings. Before we jump into Raheim Sanders, here’s a few reminders about the rankings themselves:

• The rankings will be updated throughout the season.
• Players who have not played college football are not eligible for the rankings.
• Players are graded on their college ability, not their pro potential.
• We are judging players on their film, production and physical tools.

You can view the College Football RB Rankings here.

Arkansas running back, Raheim Sanders had a productive true freshman season in 2021, raising expectations heading into his 2022 season. He has lived up to those expectations and become a star in the Razorbacks backfield. Sanders has four 100 yard games in five outings this year and has averaged at least four yards per carry in each of his five games this season. He has been the leading rusher for Arkansas, running for 609 yards and 4 touchdowns on 105 carries while also catching 10 passes for 136 yards and another touchdown. Sanders has taken another step up in 2022 and is becoming an excellent running back.

Sanders is a powerful downhill runner. He is patient picking his hole, then he gets downhill quickly, running with power that makes him difficult to tackle. Sanders easily runs through arm tackles and moves the pile on impact. He is a strong runner who continues to drive his legs through contact, fighting for extra yardage. Sanders delivers the blow to defenders, wearing a defense down over the course of the game as he continues to churn out first downs. This style of running forces the defense to commit extra defenders against the run and opens up space downfield and on the perimeter.

While the 6’2″ 227 lb Sanders shows plenty of power, he also has excellent acceleration and good speed. He is able to put his foot in the ground and accelerate to top speed in a hurry, helping him get the edge or pop through to the second level. Sanders uses hesitation moves to get defenders off-balance, then blows by them with a quick burst of speed. He has the speed to run away from the defense, making him a home-run threat on any play. That speed mixed with his power makes Sanders difficult to keep contained.

Raheim Sanders has a good blend of size, power and speed for a running back. He can run through tacklers, get around them or simply make them miss. Sanders is a good receiver who is adept catching the football, forcing the defense to account for him on every play. He has the complete package and continues to get better every week, making him one of the rising stars in college football.

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Arkansas Razorbacks

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