"Ohio State Lock, He is going to be next Paris Johnson Jr": Fans react to David Sanders Jr's decision to make commitment amid rumors around 4 teams

By Maliha

Modified Aug 06, 2024 14:49 GMT

Five-star plus offensive tackle David Sanders Jr., from Providence Day School in Charlotte, North Carolina, is one of the most promising prospects in the 2025 class. He is set to commit on Aug. 17 and will be choosing among Nebraska, Tennessee, Georgia and Ohio State.

Fans are already speculating about his next school, and many of them think Ohio State will be his ultimate destination, drawing comparisons to former Buckeyes standout Paris Johnson Jr.

"Ohio State Lock, He is going to be the next Paris Johnson Jr🌰🌰🌰🌰," one wrote.

"His family is very close to Paris Johnson’s Family he’s going to Ohio State the rest are just so there some suspense," one fan wrote.

David Sanders himself has acknowledged Ohio State's reputation for developing elite offensive tackles.

“Obviously they’re known for making great offensive tackles,” Sanders told On3. “Seeing that as a young kid, like I can go there and do the same thing. Ohio State got the bump early because I had only been there one time until recently.

“Ohio State is different, but they’ve done a phenomenal job, coming up there for the spring a couple of times and being around that program.”

According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, Ohio State has a 20.6% chance of securing Sanders' commitment. The Buckeyes' 2025 recruiting class, already ranked No. 1 in the nation, includes three five-star prospects: Devin Sanchez, Tavien St. Clair and Na'eem Offord.

But Tennessee is also a strong contender, and the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine gives the Volunteers a 27.9% chance of landing David Sanders. Fans are vocal about their hopes as well.

"GBO!🍊🍊🍊🍊," one wrote.

"Vol lock 🔒🍊," one wrote,

Let's look at some reactions to this discussion.

David Sanders has made several visits to Tennessee, including attending the spring game, the 865 Live Event and his official visit last month.

“I just feel like you can be yourself at Tennessee," Sanders told On3. "There’s nothing you have to do differently. Even though it’s a big SEC school that wins a lot of games and is in contention for winning National Championships year in and year out, that’s a place you can go and freely be yourself.”

Tennessee's 2025 recruiting class currently ranks No. 8 nationally and No. 5 in the SEC, with 21 committed players. But the class lacks a five-star recruit, a gap Sanders could fill if he chooses the Vols.

What does David Sanders Jr.'s athletic profile look like?

Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 275 pounds, David Sanders possesses the physical attributes that make scouts and coaches from top programs across the country take notice. According to Andrew Ivins, 247Sports' director of scouting, Sanders is exceptionally nimble for someone with such long limbs, able to quickly set up for battle and then refortify as needed.

Ivins thinks Sanders has the potential to emerge as a multi-year starter at left tackle for a top-tier college football program, a projection supported by the over 100 scholarship offers he has received.

As an offensive lineman in his junior season in 2023, Sanders protected Michigan quarterback Jadyn Davis, contributing to an impressive 3,758 passing yards for the Providence Day School Chargers. On defense, he recorded 32 quarterback hurries, 24 tackles, four sacks, two pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

David Sanders' performance in 2023 earned him several accolades, including North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year, MaxPreps All-America second-team selection and CISAA Offensive Player of the Year.

Besides football, Sanders is a multi-sport athlete. He plays basketball and excels in track and field, where he has twice qualified for state championships in both the shot put and discus events.

David Sanders ranks as the No. 3 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 1 offensive tackle in the 2025 class and the No. 1 prospect in North Carolina, per 247Sports. On3 ranks him as the No. 6 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 2 offensive tackle in the class and the No. 1 prospect in the state.