Sincere McCormick rises from undrafted to starting running back for the Raiders

In Henderson, Nevada, Sincere McCormick has secured his position as the starting running back for the Las Vegas Raiders in December 2024. The young athlete, who went undrafted after playing at Texas-San Antonio, faced a challenging three-year journey that included injuries, being waived, and spending a significant amount of time on the practice squad. Initially, he faced stiff competition from established players such as Zamir White, Alexander Mattison, and veteran Ameer Abdullah. Despite injuries sidelining both White and Mattison, McCormick capitalized on the opportunities presented, showcasing his skills and determination, which ultimately led to his ascent to the starting role. McCormick's performance in practice and games inspired confidence from the coaching staff, particularly head coach Antonio Pierce. Through dedicated training, McCormick improved significantly, averaging 5.5 yards per carry across his last three games. In one notable game against Tampa Bay, he recorded 78 yards on 15 carries, demonstrating his ability to impact the game positively. The coaching staff noted his consistent hard work and ability to seize the moment when other players were unable to perform due to injuries. Initially, McCormick's transition to a leading role seemed unlikely, especially with notable players ahead of him on the depth chart. However, the unfortunate injuries to White and Mattison opened the door for him, and McCormick's perseverance paid off. The coaching staff had emphasized the need for him to have a strong offseason, which McCormick embraced. He committed to enhancing his skills during training camp, making a lasting impression that influenced the coaching decisions leading up to game time. Now, as McCormick prepares for an upcoming game against the Atlanta Falcons, the Raiders look to him to fill the void left by former star running back Josh Jacobs, who departed for the Green Bay Packers. Jacobs had been a key player for five years. With McCormick's ascent, fans and analysts are eager to see if he can establish himself as a reliable contributor, measuring up to expectations set by Jacobs' previous performances.