ESPN names Tennessee's David Sanders Jr. as one of three freshmen to watch in the SEC

David Sanders Jr. isn’t just a five-star freshman. He’s not just looking to be a Day 1 starter on Tennessee’s new-look offensive line. He’s also one of three freshmen to watch in the SEC this season, according to ESPN.

“Rarely does Tennessee turn a starting offensive line spot over to a freshman,” ESPN wrote this week, “but Sanders has all the developmental markers of an impactful tackle right out of the gate in Rocky Top.”

Sanders was the No. 9 overall prospect in the Rivals Industry Ranking, picking Tennessee over Ohio State as the No. 2 offensive tackle in the country. Now he joins an offensive line looking to replace four of five starters from last season. 

David Sanders Jr. has ‘exceptional combination of athleticism, lower body flexibility and reaction skills’

“He was named North Carolina’s Gatorade Player of the Year as a junior,” ESPN wrote, “a rare accolade for an offensive lineman, and was the No. 7 recruit in the Class of 2025. Tennessee coaches challenged Sanders to put on weight after he enrolled early and he answered the call. 

“The freshman now checks in at 6-6, 305 pounds with an exceptional combination of athleticism, lower body flexibility and reaction skills.”

Tennessee offensive line coach Glen Elarbee said as much himself on Tuesday. 

“The guy has done an incredible job of putting on weight and getting to a place where he can function here in the SEC,” Elarbee, Tennessee’s offensive line coach, said during his press conference after Tuesday’s practice. “Mentally, he spent as much time or more time than anybody reading, walking through, understanding there’s still way, way more to keep going.”

‘Where he was to where he is now, unreal and credit to him’

This season Tennessee is tasked with replacing Cooper Mays at center, Javontez Spraggins and Adrej Karic at guard and John Campbell a tackle.

“Sanders will have every opportunity to win the starting right tackle spot,” ESPN wrote.

Sanders has done his part since signing with Tennessee in December. 

“Where he was to where he is now, unreal and credit to him,” Elarbee said. “And then just technique wise, it’s so rewarding when you see him change something on a pass set or change something in the run game, technique wise, and it works. And the light clicks and then you get to go and move on to the next thing. 

“And he just consistently, every day, (is) ticking off something and just keeps building and climbing. (He has) done a great job.”