In the intricate tapestry of a college football team, a running back room is often a microcosm of the entire program. It is a place where grit, competition, and brotherhood converge. In the South Carolina Gamecocks’ running back room, a veteran presence has emerged as the cornerstone of that brotherhood, a player who has not only accepted a leadership role but has embraced it with a sense of purpose and maturity honed over a long and winding collegiate journey. That player is Oscar Adaway III.
Adaway’s path to Columbia was not a direct one. He spent five seasons at North Texas, where he established himself as a productive back, rushing for over 2,200 yards and 17 touchdowns.1 He faced adversity, too, including a season-ending ACL injury in 2021.2 But it was that experience, the highs and the lows, that forged the man who would eventually transfer to South Carolina and become the unquestioned leader of a talented, but young, running back corps.
When Adaway arrived in Columbia for the 2024 season, he was a key piece of a revamped rushing attack. He served as the backup to the talented Raheim “Rocket” Sanders, appearing in all 13 games and logging significant carries.3 He finished the season as the team’s third-leading rusher with 295 yards and three touchdowns, but his impact went far beyond the stat sheet.4 He was a steadying force in the room, a player who understood the nuances of the position and the demands of the SEC.
Now, as the 2025 season approaches, Adaway stands at the precipice of his seventh year of college football.5 With Sanders having moved on, the Gamecocks’ running back room is a different landscape. It’s a room filled with potential, but also with questions. There’s the talented but yet-to-be-cleared Rahsul Faison, the promising young players like Jawarn Howell and Matthew Fuller, and the new transfer Isaiah Augustave.6 In this dynamic environment, Adaway is the anchor.
South Carolina running backs coach Marquel Blackwell, a man with a lengthy resume of coaching successful running backs, has been effusive in his praise of Adaway.7 He sees in the veteran back not just a skilled player, but a leader who sets the tone and the standard for the entire group. “He’s probably had one of the best offseasons I’ve seen,” Blackwell said, highlighting Adaway’s tireless work ethic and commitment. Blackwell emphasizes the importance of having a strong veteran presence to guide the younger players, and Adaway has proven to be the perfect man for the job. “He’s that type of guy who’s going to speak up and be a leader. He is the guy who is going to come every day and do the things he needs to do. He also leads by example and stays focused,” Blackwell explained.
This leadership isn’t just about what Adaway does on the field or in the weight room. It extends to the locker room and beyond. He has been a champion for his teammates, including Faison, who is awaiting NCAA clearance to play. Adaway even coined the hashtag “Free ‘Sul,” a rallying cry that has been adopted by the team and its fans, demonstrating the deep bond and support within the running back room. As Adaway himself said, “They’re my dogs. It’s all love between all of us.” This sense of brotherhood is a key component of the culture being built by Blackwell and the coaching staff, a culture where players are encouraged to “give up ourselves for the benefit of others.”
Adaway’s influence is also felt in his commitment to his community and his academics. He was recently nominated for the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy and the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, two prestigious awards that recognize players for their combination of on-field and off-field excellence.8 His involvement in community service projects, such as the SEC Leadership Conference Service Project, Shop with the Jocks, and the Beamer Foundation Backpack Drive, showcases a well-rounded character that extends far beyond the football field.9 He was also elected as the chair of the 2025-26 SEC Football Leadership Council, an honor bestowed upon him by his peers across the conference.10
On the field, Adaway’s experience is a significant asset. He understands the physicality of the SEC and the level of play required to succeed. While at North Texas, he saw firsthand the challenges of competing at the highest level, and he has brought that knowledge and perspective to South Carolina. He’s a running back who is focused on the fundamentals: getting first downs and scoring touchdowns. As he stated, “I’m just a running back that wants to get first downs and touchdowns for his team. I just want to win.” This unselfish, team-first mentality is exactly what a coaching staff looks for in a leader.
As the Gamecocks prepare for a new season, the running back room is a testament to the power of mentorship and experience. While the competition for carries will be fierce, with a “by-committee” approach likely to be adopted, Adaway’s role is secure. He may not be the sole bell-cow back, but his presence is invaluable. He is the standard-setter, the mentor, and the leader. The younger players in the room, such as Howell, Fuller, and Augustave, have a seasoned pro to look up to, a player who has navigated the challenges of college football and emerged as a leader both on and off the field.
The story of Oscar Adaway III is a powerful reminder that leadership is not always about the loudest voice or the biggest stats. Sometimes, it’s about the quiet confidence, the tireless work ethic, and the unwavering commitment to a team. It’s about a player who, after seven years of college football, is still striving to get better and to make those around him better. In the competitive world of SEC football, Adaway is a rare and valuable asset, a player who has embraced his leadership role and, in doing so, is helping to build a championship culture in the South Carolina running back room.
