Northern Illinois transfer edge Nevaeh Sanders breaks down Mississippi State decision
Northern Illinois transfer edge Nevaeh Sanders officially visited Mississippi State on Wednesday and Thursday. It is safe to say that visit went well as the rising senior committed to the Bulldogs on Friday.
With his decision, the 6-foot-4 and 220-pound Sanders becomes the fourth transfer commitment for State and all four are on the defensive side of the ball. He joins Kennesaw State cornerback Jayven Matthews, Old Dominion safety Jahron Manning and N.C. State edge Red Hibbler.
“I’m just excited to get in that environment and culture in the SEC,” remarked Sanders. “It was just the coaching staff, in general. They want to work there and that’s the main thing.”
Regarding his visit, Sanders pointed out that his talks with State’s staff, including head coach Jeff Lebby and defensive coordinator Coleman Hutzler, caught his attention the most. And that eventually led to his Friday commitment.
“I really enjoyed it and it was fun,” Sanders recalled. “The coaches stood out to me. I really like Coach Lebby and I like how Coach Hutzler and Coach Elijah (Sandweiss) have sent guys to the NFL, guys like Will Anderson and guys of that stature.
Sanders has one season of eligibility remaining and this past season, he was a third-down pass-rush specialist for Northern Illinois. He totaled five sacks, six tackles for loss and one forced fumble on the season.
For the Bulldogs, the Flint, Michigan, native is expected to line up at the jack linebacker spot inside Hutzler’s scheme.
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“We talked about jack linebacker,” added Sanders. “We watched some film and I’m not gonna say the defense is tailored around the jack position. But you have a lot of opportunities there to make plays and get 1 on 1s and rush the passer. I like how they use the jack linebackers. They let them make plays and that is the defense I want to be in. I want to be cut loose.”
Another factor behind Sanders’ choice was the way State’s coaching staff and personnel put him at ease during the visit. Sanders also sees a good opportunity to impact the Bulldogs’ need for pass rushers.
“I had a lot of other interest and offers from other schools,” Sanders noted. “But I just felt like Mississippi State was the best option based off all the guys they are losing and the needs they need me to fill. I feel like I fit there and I appreciate the hospitality there and the coaching staff.”
While most transfers are still awaiting their future destination, Sanders didn’t have to wait long to find a new home. That suited him just fine and he’s grateful to be in a program where he felt wanted and needed.
“It was good to get in and out of the portal,” mentioned Sanders. “It’s good to be at a place that needs you and wants you. That was the biggest thing for me, to be wanted and needed. I just want to be utilized in a way I can help the team.”
