SOUTH COLUMBIA, Columbia — Mario Anderson starred at Newberry College for three seasons, helping the Wolves earn two consecutive SAC Championships while earning D2 All-America status.
When he announced he was transferring to South Carolina, it became a feel-good story with a lot of questions as to whether he could make that transition from the South Atlantic Conference to the Southeastern Conference.
Those questions, so far, have been answered as Anderson leads the Gamecocks in rushing with 328 yards. He has also proven to be an effective pass-catcher with a flair for the dramatic as he hurdled a Florida defender in last week’s game in Coluimbia.
Anderson credits running backs coach Montario Hardesty for helping him transition to the Power 5 level. Hardesty is a former Tennessee standout who had a brief career in the NFL.