Son of Detroit Lions legend Barry Sanders talks spring visit to Michigan, Tony Alford, more

Michigan hosted rising 2025 Birmingham (Mich.) Groves running back Noah Sanders for an unofficial visit late last month. The in-state junior watched spring camp practice and met the staff and players.

“The facilities stood out to me,” Sanders told The Wolverine. “They have one of the nicer football facilities I’ve been to, for sure. Practice was good. I was impressed with the tempo of their practices and how much work they could fit in to one day.”

Throughout spring camp, Michigan’s running back unit embraced visiting recruits whenever they stepped inside Al Glick Field House. With Sanders holding down the same position that his father, Detroit Lions star Barry Sanders, once played, the welcoming he received in Ann Arbor was memorable.

“I actually had a chance to talk to Donovan Edwards, which was a cool experience,” Sanders said. “I think they are looking strong in the running back room heading into the season.”

Sanders’ trip was shortly following Michigan’s hiring of running backs coach Tony Alford, who knew the former from his time with Ohio State. They reunited during the visit and were able to speak individually in-depth.

“I was actually being recruited by Coach Alford while he was at OSU,” Sanders said. “We talked when I was visiting about what’s next for me and now Michigan. He seems to be a very supportive coach of his players and only pushing for the best out of them.”

Residing less than an hour from campus, Sanders closely followed last season’s 15-0 run to a national championship and was pleased to see the program overcome adversity and exceed expectations.

“Michigan impressed me last year,” Sanders said. “I knew they had tons of talent going into the season, and I could definitely see them going far. But I didn’t expect them to win it all, but it was pretty cool to see.”

Sanders is eager to continue visiting Michigan, expressing his desire to further build rapport with the coaching staff and immerse himself in the culture of the reigning national title winners.

“I don’t have a set date to return to Michigan yet but they are definitely on my list of places to get back to,” Sanders said. “If Michigan were to offer me, I would be honored by the opportunity to play at such a great school.”

At 5-foot-11, 170 pounds, Sanders is not yet listed on the On3 Industry Ranking. He currently holds notable offers from Toledo, Bowling Green, Western Kentucky, and Wayne State.