Tennessee Vols legend helped recruit 5-star OL David Sanders to Rocky Top
The Tennessee Vols put the finishing touches on their 2025 recruiting class on Thursday when five-star offensive lineman David Sanders Jr officially announced on The Finebaum Show that he signed with UT. Sanders, who is from Charlotte, NC, is rated as the No. 1 offensive lineman in the nation. Sanders committed to Tennessee in August, […]
The Tennessee Vols put the finishing touches on their 2025 recruiting class on Thursday when five-star offensive lineman David Sanders Jr officially announced on The Finebaum Show that he signed with UT.
Sanders, who is from Charlotte, NC, is rated as the No. 1 offensive lineman in the nation.
Sanders committed to Tennessee in August, but Ohio State made a late run at the coveted offensive lineman. The Buckeyes managed to get Sanders to Columbus for a visit for Ohio State's win against Indiana, but that wasn't enough to convince the Charlotte native to flip his commitment from the Vols to the Buckeyes.
One thing (among many factors) that sold Sanders on Tennessee was Kansas City Chiefs offensive guard Trey Smith, a former Vols offensive lineman who is in line to become the highest paid guard in the NFL this offseason.
"Trey Smith did a phenomenal job, as well, just getting me to understand that Tennessee is a great spot for me," said Sanders during an interview with 104.5's 3HL on Thursday. "You know, how they treated him even after he was done playing. Having him as a mentor when I get there is going to be great. And just being able to build that relationship with him."
Smith has been a terrific ambassador for all things Tennessee since reaching the NFL in 2021. The Tennessee native often returns to Rocky Top for Vols athletic events (when his schedule permits) and he's regularly seen sporting the Power T when he's away from Knoxville.
Considering Smith's success in the SEC and in the NFL, he should be a tremendous resource for Sanders in the coming years.
Josh Heupel comments on possibility of Tennessee Vols hosting a College Football Playoff game at Neyland Stadium
The Vols are hoping some things break their way
