In 2023, Anderson was the Gamecocks’ workhorse and the SEC’s 11th-leading rusher. He signs with a Memphis program that produces excellent running back development.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — 12 days before kicking off their highly-anticipated AutoZone Liberty Bowl matchup against Iowa State, the Memphis Tigers football team landed a huge win, with South Carolina running back Mario Anderson announcing he’s transferring to the U of M.
Anderson, a senior from Summerville, South Carolina, confirmed the news on his Instagram Sunday.
After moving from Division II, he played in just one season for the Gamecocks, amassing 707 yards on the ground and 153 additional yards via the air to rank 11th in the SEC.
The 5’9″, 208-pound running back scored four touchdowns in 2023, including a spectacular 75-yard house call versus Tennessee that will go on the highlight reel.
He had two consecutive seasons with more than 1,200 yards of total offense for Newberry College in 2021 and 2022. In 2022, after setting a school record with 1,560 yards and 19 touchdowns on the ground, he was chosen to the A.P.’s Division II first team All-American.
Anderson signs with a Memphis program that has a history of turning running backs into stars and even players of pro caliber.
DeAngelo Williams, recently elected into the College Football Hall of Fame, is the most notable example, rushing for more than 6,000 yards from 2002 to 2005 and scoring 55 touchdowns for the Tigers. He went on to be a star for the Carolina Panthers, and scored 61 touchdowns over his 10-year NFL career.
Darrell Henderson, Antonio Gibson and Tony Pollard are all recent examples of former Tigers running backs having solid NFL careers, Pollard currently the standout starter for the Dallas Cowboys.
Blake Watson, who transferred to the Tigers from Old Dominion after three solid seasons, had the best season of his career at Memphis in 2023, rushing for more than 1,000 yards on 177 carries and scoring 14 touchdowns. The senior could be Memphis’ latest back headed to the NFL.
We have reached out to the U of M to confirm Anderson’s signing, and will update this story when that happens.
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