Tennessee Vols true freshman earns noteworthy post-season honor that is much deserved
Tennessee Vols true freshman offensive lineman David Sanders Jr had a terrific true freshman season on Rocky Top.
Tennessee Vols true freshman offensive lineman David Sanders Jr earned an impressive post-season honor this week.
Sanders, a former five-star recruit from Charlotte, NC who signed with Tennessee during the 2025 recruiting cycle, missed the first month of the season while dealing with an injury that he suffered near the end of fall camp.
The North Carolina native, however, was a force once he was cleared to return to action. Sanders allowed just two sacks in 2025 despite starting in the SEC as a true freshman.
Vols offensive tackle David Sanders Jr named a freshman All-American by On3
On3 revealed their 2025 freshman All-American selections this week and Sanders was one of five offensive linemen that was included.
“Sanders logged 425 snaps at right tackle for Tennessee, showing the elite twitch and body control that made him such a coveted recruit,” wrote On3’s Charles Power. “The 6-foot-6, 305-pounder was particularly strong in pass protection, surrendering 11 pressures and just two sacks on 231 pass plays, according to Pro Football Focus. Sanders’ movement skills and ability to recover when off balance stood out in SEC play, especially in matchups against Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt. With high-end movement skills and overall athleticism, it’s safe to say the Charlotte native will enter next season as one of the more high upside young offensive tackles in the country.”
Sanders played right tackle for the Vols in 2025, but he could move to left tackle in 2026. That move, though, will depend on whether junior offensive lineman Lance Heard returns to Tennessee next fall.
VolQuest’s Austin Price said on Tuesday on 1o4.5 The Zone’s Ramon and Will that Heard’s decision on whether to return to Tennessee or enter the 2026 NFL Draft is “up in the air”.
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