This kid has All-SEC talent written all over him. Spring ball just got underway for the Tennessee Vols and while there’s certainly plenty of focus going to quarterback Nico Iamaleava, fans are keeping a close eye on all of the new talent in Knoxville too.
It goes without saying, but one player in particular people are quite intrigued about is 5-star offensive tackle David Sanders Jr. The elite prospect enrolled early at UT and he looks like a physical specimen now that he’s suiting up at the collegiate level.
Not only that, but head man Josh Heupel has made it more than clear that he has been left quite impressed with his first-year playmaker. Despite being so young, Sanders indeed is impressing and the plan is for him to see significant playing time in 2025.
Josh Heupel has been quite impressed with Tennessee freshman David Sanders Jr.
“Man, super smart kid,” Heupel said of his youngster. “Very engaging and very personable. Great family. Cares about the guys around him. Great work habits since he’s arrived (on campus). There’s a lot of growth ahead for him and all the young guys on the roster.”
Obviously, it’s going to take plenty of time for Sanders to get acclimated to things in the SEC, but he certainly has all the tools to be a tremendous lineman for Heupel and this offense. Prior to him signing with the Vols, there was a ton of concern that a last-second flip to Ohio State was going to arrive.
Ryan Day and Co. went all-in to make that happen, but thankfully Sanders stayed true to his commitment and he’s suiting up for the Vols. There’s going to be plenty of pressure on him to live up to his 5-star hype, but thus far things are going according to plan for him.
It’s going to take some time for him to learn the offense and get used to going up against such big defensive linemen in the trenches, but Heupel is confident Sanders will be able to play beyond his years in 2025. Him already making a splash like this is a positive sign of things to come for him as well.
In terms of overall ranking at all positions, considered No. 4 by Rivals, No. 5 by ESPN, No. 7 by 247Sports and No. 11 by On3 … The consensus No. 1 overall prospect in the state of North Carolina by all services … The 2023 North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year who led Providence Day School to three straight NCISAA state championships … A 2024 finalist for Mr. Football in the state of North Carolina by the Charlotte Observer and News & Observer of Raleigh … As a senior, graded at 93 percent and did not allow a sack en route to another state title game … As a junior, blocked for an offense that put up more than 3,700 passing yards and 8.6 yards per rushing attempt … As a pass rusher, added 32 pressures, 24 tackles, seven sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 2023 … Member of the 247Sports 2025 Freaks List and a two-time first-team all-state selection … Selected as a 2023 MaxPreps Second-Team All-American, and in 2022 was named to the MaxPreps Sophomore All-America Team … Selected to play in the Navy All-American Bowl in January on NBC … Also plays basketball and is a two-time state qualifier in the shot put and discus throw … Owns personal-bests of 53-3.5 in the shot and 143-1 in the discus … Committed to the Vols in August 2024 … Chose Tennessee after 40 other offers … Started playing football at the age of seven … Coached by Chad Grier … Expected to be an early enrollee and participate in spring practices
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