Mike Elko's Texas A&M lands commitment from four-star DL DJ Sanders to the class of 2025: Reports

By Maliha

Modified Aug 08, 2024 11:13 GMT

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Four-star defensive lineman DJ Sanders, from Bellville High School in Texas, announced his commitment to Texas A&M on Wednesday night. He chose the Aggies over Texas, Alabama, Oregon, LSU, USC, Oklahoma, Notre Dame and Michigan.

The Aggies made their offer to Sanders in September 2022, becoming the second program to do so. When Mike Elko took over as the new head coach for Texas A&M, one of his early recruiting stops was Bellville High School. Prior to Elko's involvement, Sanders was considered a strong lean toward Texas, but the Aggies' continued pursuit ultimately tipped the scales in their favor.

Sanders is now the 20th commitment in the 2025 class for Texas A&M, which ranks No. 7 in the nation and No. 5 in the SEC, according to On3. He joins fellow defensive linemen Landon Rink and Chace Sims in the class, which features a number of highly-touted prospects such as Husan Longstreet, Adonyss Currie, Noah Mikhail, Kiotti Armstrong and Marco Jones.

DJ Sanders is the cousin of Emmanuel Sanders, a first-team All-USA wide receiver for the SMU Mustangs who was later selected in the third round of the 2010 NFL draft. Sanders went on to become a two-time Pro Bowler during his NFL career.

What will DJ Sanders bring to Texas A&M?

DJ Sanders' high school coach, Grady Rowe, described him as having "limitless upside." Primarily playing as a defensive end in a four-man front at the high school level, the prospect's versatility will be a key asset for Texas A&M.

Hudson Standish, a national analyst for 247Sports, believes that Sanders will transition to the interior defensive line at the collegiate level. Standish lauded Sanders' nimble play style and smooth gait, which frequently shine through in his pass-rushing efforts. This combination of agility and technique positions the prospect as a future difference-maker at the Power Five level.

During his junior season in 2024, Sanders recorded 115 total tackles, 28 tackles for loss and 15 sacks, along with three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. His accolades include being named the Texas District 10-4A-II Defensive MVP as a sophomore in 2022 and the Texas District 12-4A-II Defensive Newcomer of the Year as a freshman in 2021.

On3 ranks DJ Sanders as the No. 71 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 6 defensive lineman in the 2025 class and the No. 17 recruit in Texas. Meanwhile, 247Sports places him as the No. 121 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 16 defensive lineman in the class and the No. 21 recruit in Texas.