Photo: Five-star OT signee David Sanders gives fans a glimpse of College Football Playoff practices in Tennessee

By Maliha

Modified Dec 17, 2024 11:05 GMT

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Five-star offensive tackle David Sanders signed with Tennessee on Dec. 5. He is participating in College Football Playoff practices as the No. 9 Volunteers (10-2) prepare to face the No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes (10-2) on Saturday in a first-round CFP matchup.

Sanders came to the Tennessee campus on Sunday and shared an image of a Tennessee jersey on his Instagram story, writing:

“Time To Work💰”

Although Sanders won’t be eligible to play until next season, Tennessee coach Josh Heupel sees his participation in practices as a key developmental opportunity.

“They are learning what it looks like to be a college football player at this level," Heupel told the Knoxville News Sentinel. "But to do it inside of our building and you are doing it while you are preparing for a big game, (there is) not a better opportunity to understand what it is going to take to play at the highest level.”

Sanders is Tennessee’s highest-ranked recruit in the 2025 class and also the lone five-star prospect currently committed. He joined several other Vols signees to observe and assist in the school's preparations for its first College Football Playoff appearance.

This practice model isn’t new to Tennessee, as redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava similarly participated in the Volunteers’ bowl practices after signing. That experience proved invaluable as Iamaleava transitioned into the program, and Tennessee hopes Sanders and others can similarly benefit from early exposure.

If the Volunteers defeat Ohio State, they will face No. 1 Oregon (13-0) in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1.

David Sanders opens up about Tennessee's pitch for him

Tennessee offered David Sanders as a freshman in high school and had been on him every year. Ohio State made a strong push and visited the Buckeyes on Nov. 23. However, Josh Heupel's pitch was too strong to ignore.

"Coach Heupel has expressed to me many times that I’m the leader of this class, and he wants me to come in and really lead them, along with our quarterback and other recruits that we have as well," Heupel told On3.

Sanders is the No. 4 player in the 2025 recruiting class, the No. 1 offensive tackle and the No. 1 player from North Carolina, according to Rivals. He is one of 26 committed players to Tennessee this cycle, which ranks No. 10 in the nation and No. 7 in the Southeastern Conference.