“Mario Anderson rushed for 1,362 yards and 18 touchdowns in a sensational 2024 season.”
The Saskatchewan Roughriders recently made some exciting additions to their roster, signing American running back Mario Anderson and defensive lineman Octavious Oxendine. Let’s take a closer look at these promising new acquisitions.
Standing at five-foot-nine and weighing 208 pounds, Mario Anderson is coming off an impressive season at Memphis. In 2024, he showcased his talent by rushing for an outstanding total of 1,362 yards and scoring an impressive 18 touchdowns. His exceptional performance on the field earned him recognition as one of the top prospects in college football.
During his time at Memphis, Anderson consistently delivered standout performances. In multiple games, he rushed for over 100 yards, demonstrating his speed, agility, and knack for finding gaps in the defense. One of his most memorable games was against North Texas where he ran for a remarkable 183 yards and scored four touchdowns on just 22 carries.
Not only did Anderson excel in rushing yards, but he also proved to be a versatile player by catching passes effectively. Throughout the season, he caught 52 passes for 312 yards and three touchdowns. His ability to contribute both on the ground and through the air added depth to Memphis’ offensive strategies.
Anderson’s stellar performance did not go unnoticed. He was nominated for the prestigious Doak Walker Award—an honor that recognizes exceptional performance both on and off the field. This nomination speaks volumes about Anderson’s dedication to excellence not just as an athlete but also as a well-rounded individual who values community involvement and academic achievement.
Before his time at Memphis, Anderson made significant contributions during his tenure at South Carolina. There, he showcased his explosive speed and playmaking abilities by accumulating over 700 rushing yards along with receiving stats that demonstrated his versatility as a dual-threat player.
Interestingly enough, Anderson began his collegiate career at Newberry College before transferring to South Carolina and eventually landing at Memphis. His journey through different programs underscores his adaptability as a player who can thrive in various environments while maintaining high levels of performance.
In contrast to Anderson’s offensive prowess, Octavious Oxendine brings a formidable presence to the defensive line with his six-foot-two frame weighing in at 285 pounds. Having honed his skills over five seasons at the University of Kentucky, Oxendine is no stranger to intense gameplay scenarios where every tackle counts.
Oxendine’s collegiate career was marked by resilience and determination. Despite facing challenges like injuries along the way—such as a knee injury that impacted part of his journey—he persevered with unwavering commitment to come back stronger each time adversity struck.
Throughout his time at Kentucky, Oxendine displayed consistent growth as a defensive force on the field. With notable achievements such as accumulating 78 career tackles including crucial tackles for loss situations and sacks that disrupted opposing offenses’ momentum—his impact was undeniable game after game.
One particular highlight from Oxendine’s career was when he received a nomination for Comeback Player of the Year following an injury-marred season—a testament to his perseverance and dedication towards overcoming setbacks with resilience while maintaining peak performance levels during subsequent seasons.
As Oxendine evolved into an integral part of Kentucky’s defense over time—he consistently pushed himself beyond limits setting personal bests such as achieving four sacks during one standout senior season—all while showcasing relentless determination coupled with strategic finesse which elevated him into contention among top prospects.
The addition of these two talented players—Mario Anderson’s explosive offensive capabilities complementing Octavious Oxendine’s tenacity on defense—is poised to bolster Saskatchewan Roughriders’ lineup significantly this upcoming season.
