The Tennessee Vols will likely be counting on a true freshman to start at one of the most important positions on the field in 2025.
Former five-star offensive lineman David Sanders Jr, the highest rated member of the Volunteers’ 2025 recruiting class, is expected to start at right tackle for Tennessee this fall.
Sanders, who was rated as the No. 6 overall player in the nation (247Sports composite), has been with the UT program since December when he took part in Tennessee’s practices ahead of the College Football Playoff.
The Charlotte native has quickly impressed during his time on Rocky Top, despite the fact that he should currently be finishing up his final semester in high school.
“I think it’s been really, really impressive what he has been able to do and continue to do at a high level early in spring practice,” said Price when asked about Sanders. “Now, there’s a long way to go, [he’s] gotta continue to build, but to hit the ground running, to be someone who doesn’t seem like their head’s on a swivel, doesn’t seem like it’s too much, too early, I think that’s a great sign.
“Obviously, you brought him in to be this type of player, and you’re hoping he can earn the right tackle job opposite Lance Heard. And it starts with having a really good spring practice, and through the first four practices, David Sanders has been just that — really, really good. Now, again, he’s gotta continue to do it, but through four practices, he is exactly who everyone thought he would be.”
Tennessee put a lot of effort into signing Sanders (including holding off a late push from the Ohio State Buckeyes). This is a player that is critical to the Vols’ success over the next three seasons. It’s not often that a program expects a true freshman to be an impact player along the offensive line from day one, but Sanders is believed to be an exception.
That’s why it’s certainly great news for the Vols that Sanders has hit the ground running at Tennessee this spring. I’m sure there will be some ups-and-downs for the young offensive lineman, but it sounds like he has the right mindset to navigate those ups-and-downs.
