David Sanders Jr. is a five-star offensive tackle, committed to Tennessee, known for his athleticism and leadership at Providence Day.

In the world of college football, few positions are as crucial as the offensive line. Protecting the quarterback, opening up running lanes, and ensuring the offensive scheme can function smoothly is no small task. A great offensive tackle can be the difference between a successful season and one plagued by sacks and missed opportunities. One player who is poised to make a significant impact on the field as an offensive lineman is David Sanders Jr., a five-star offensive tackle from Providence Day School in Charlotte, North Carolina. Known for his athleticism, leadership, and versatility, Sanders is one of the top recruits in the 2025 recruiting class and is already drawing attention from football programs across the country. His commitment to the Tennessee Volunteers marks the beginning of what could be an extraordinary college career and beyond.

Early Life and High School Career

David Sanders Jr.’s story begins in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he grew up as a standout athlete. From a young age, Sanders showed a natural aptitude for sports, excelling in both football and basketball. His height and athleticism stood out, even as a child, and he was often encouraged by family members and coaches to pursue his talents further. However, it wasn’t until he hit high school that his potential as a football player truly began to emerge.

Attending Providence Day School, Sanders quickly made a name for himself as one of the most dominant players on the field. A highly competitive institution, Providence Day boasts a rich football program that routinely competes at the highest levels in North Carolina. From his freshman year onward, Sanders was a force on the offensive line, and it wasn’t long before scouts and college recruiters began taking notice.

What separated Sanders from other players at his position was his combination of size, athleticism, and technique. Standing at 6’6” and weighing 276 pounds, he possesses the physical frame that NFL scouts dream of when looking at an offensive tackle. His length and reach make him a nightmare for opposing defensive linemen, while his agility and footwork allow him to move laterally and keep defenders at bay. His quickness for a player of his size is particularly impressive, allowing him to mirror pass rushers, get to the second level on run plays, and execute complex blocking assignments with precision.

Sanders’ dominance on the field helped Providence Day secure three consecutive North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association (NCISAA) state championships. His performance was so impressive that in 2023, he was named the North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year. The prestigious award is typically given to the state’s most outstanding football player, and for an offensive lineman to win it, it speaks volumes about Sanders’ talent. Additionally, Sanders was a finalist for the 2024 Mr. Football award in North Carolina, which further solidified his place as one of the state’s top athletes.

Why Tennessee?

David Sanders Jr.’s recruitment process was a highly anticipated event, given his status as one of the top recruits in the 2025 class. Throughout the recruiting process, Sanders was pursued by some of the most prominent football programs in the country, including Ohio State, Georgia, and Nebraska. Despite the heavy competition, Sanders ultimately chose to commit to the University of Tennessee, an announcement that sent shockwaves through the college football world.

The decision to commit to Tennessee was a significant one for several reasons. First and foremost, Tennessee has one of the most storied football programs in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), and the Volunteers’ recent resurgence under head coach Josh Heupel made them an attractive destination for top recruits. Heupel’s high-powered offense, which focuses on tempo and creating mismatches, needs offensive linemen who can move quickly and efficiently, and Sanders fits that mold perfectly.

Additionally, Tennessee has made significant investments in its football program, both in terms of facilities and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities. The Volunteers have established a strong presence in the recruiting world, and Sanders’ commitment to the team further solidified their place among the elite programs in the country.

In interviews, Sanders has spoken highly of the Tennessee coaching staff and the environment at the university. He feels that Heupel’s system will allow him to showcase his talents and develop into an even better player. With Tennessee’s emphasis on developing talent and competing at the highest level, Sanders saw an opportunity to make an immediate impact while continuing his growth as a player.

Playing Style and Strengths

David Sanders Jr.’s skill set as an offensive tackle is built on a solid foundation of technical proficiency, physical dominance, and mental toughness. His play style reflects the modern demands of the position, with an emphasis on quickness, flexibility, and a deep understanding of the game’s fundamentals.

One of Sanders’ biggest strengths is his ability to move laterally with ease. Offensive tackles are tasked with keeping pass rushers at bay, and the ability to slide quickly to the outside is crucial to neutralizing speed rushers. Sanders’ quick feet and fluid movements allow him to mirror edge rushers effectively, preventing them from getting the upper hand in one-on-one matchups.

In addition to his pass-blocking prowess, Sanders is also a key player in the run game. His size and strength make him an excellent mauler at the point of attack. He is able to move defensive linemen off the ball, creating running lanes for his team’s running backs. His ability to get to the second level and block linebackers is also a valuable asset in a zone-blocking scheme, where offensive linemen need to be able to adapt to various defensive fronts and execute complex combinations of blocks.

Sanders’ work ethic and mental toughness are also worth noting. Offensive line play is not just about physical ability; it requires a deep understanding of the game and the ability to make split-second decisions. Sanders has demonstrated time and again that he is not only physically gifted but also mentally sharp. His awareness on the field, his ability to recognize defensive alignments, and his leadership on the offensive line make him a natural fit for Tennessee’s system.

A Multi-Sport Athlete

One of the things that sets David Sanders Jr. apart from other players at his position is his versatility as an athlete. Although he is best known for his football skills, Sanders is also an accomplished basketball player and track athlete. His background in other sports has contributed to his success on the football field by improving his overall athleticism, hand-eye coordination, and spatial awareness.

As a basketball player, Sanders has showcased his ability to move quickly and jump, skills that directly translate to his work as an offensive tackle. His agility and flexibility are enhanced by his background in basketball, and he uses these traits to navigate complex blocking schemes with ease. In track, Sanders has shown that he has the endurance and explosiveness required to perform at a high level, helping to increase his ability to play through fatigue and execute difficult plays in the latter stages of games.

Being a multi-sport athlete also speaks to Sanders’ overall athleticism and work ethic. He is the type of player who is constantly looking for ways to improve, and his commitment to excelling in multiple disciplines speaks to his dedication to becoming the best version of himself.

Academics and Life Beyond Football

Although he is already an elite football prospect, David Sanders Jr. is also focused on his academics and future beyond football. Sanders has expressed interest in pursuing a career in medicine, with a particular interest in becoming an orthopedic surgeon. This academic goal is admirable, as it shows that Sanders understands the importance of having a life and career outside of sports.

His commitment to both academics and athletics makes him a well-rounded individual and a role model for other young athletes. Sanders has also been praised for his humility and leadership off the field, and he is known for giving back to his community through various charitable initiatives.

Looking Ahead: Sanders at Tennessee

David Sanders Jr.’s arrival at Tennessee represents a huge moment for the Volunteers’ football program. As one of the most highly-rated recruits in recent memory, Sanders will be expected to make an immediate impact on Tennessee’s offensive line. Given the program’s emphasis on fast-paced, up-tempo offense, Sanders’ ability to move quickly and execute blocks efficiently will be crucial for the team’s success in the SEC.

In his time at Tennessee, Sanders will be expected to develop his skills further, taking his already impressive game to the next level. With the right coaching, he has the potential to be one of the top offensive tackles in college football and a future first-round pick in the NFL Draft. His combination of size, athleticism, and mental toughness make him a player to watch in the coming years.