The highest-rated member of the 2025 Tennessee Football recruiting class doesn’t lack talent as he takes the field for the Vols in spring practice. He also doesn’t lack confidence.
“I feel like coming in during bowl practices, just being able to see that you’re not far off from the top guys that they already have,” offensive tackle David Sanders Jr. said. “I went against James Pearce the whole bowl practice, getting ready for that. So just seeing that I do have things to work on, but if I continue to work, I’m not far off from a guy that’s about to be a top 20 draft pick.”
That doesn’t mean Sanders thinks he’s ready to play just yet. Along with his confidence comes patience. Sure, he’s a backup now, but his physical tools will almost certainly have him in the running for a starting position, most likely at right tackle, sooner rather than later.
“That’s definitely something that comes later in the fall,” Sanders said of working his way into the starting lineup. “I’m really focused on just understanding the offense, going out there and just playing carefree, giving it all I can, because I feel like my best will get me up on the depth chart. But I’ve just got to understand the offense, understand what I’m doing. That way I can play with confidence, and if I’m playing with confidence, I’m one of the best five we’ve got.”
That’s a pretty strong statement. It seems Sanders already has the confidence needed to be a starter in the SEC, which is no easy feat, especially on the offensive line. Sanders, however, has already won over his coaches, led by head coach Josh Heupel.
“Man, super-smart kid that. (He’s) very engaging, very personable,” Heupel said. “He’s got a great family. Cares about the guys around him. He’s had great work habits since he arrived. Continued to grow. There’s a lot of growth for him and every young guy that has come onto our roster. He’s put on weight. He’s got to continue to do that, continue to grow into his frame, but he’s got great athleticism.”
Sanders has gone from 270 pounds to 290 since arriving in Knoxville. At 6-foot-6, he’ll likely gain even more weight during the offseason. Whatever he weighs, he’ll be ready to play soon and won’t likely shy away from any sort of challenge thrown at him.
“If I didn’t come in for bowl practice, I don’t think I would have been as confident as I am right now to be able to go out there and compete,” Sanders said, “because in college, you hear like the SEC, like that’s a big-time jump from high school to come to the SEC.”
“So just seeing that I do have things to work on, but if I continue to work, I’m not far off from a guy that’s about to be a top-20 draft pick in a couple of weeks. That was an eye-opening experience for me, and now being in spring ball, just getting to learn the plays and feeling more comfortable in the offense, that’s been a big thing for me.”
Sanders was rated a five-star prospect when he came out of high school. His confidence may have ranked even higher.
