“Unbelievable” “Nebraska in shambles”: CFB world left debating as Tennessee lands commitment from 5-star OL David Sanders Jr.

By Aman Sharma

Modified Aug 17, 2024 19:37 GMT

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In a major recruiting win, the Tennessee Volunteers secured the commitment of five-star offensive tackle David Sanders Jr. from Charlotte Providence Day School. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 290 pounds, Sanders is ranked No. 4 nationally on the top offensive line prospects of the 2025 class.

The announcement came during a ceremony at his school on Saturday, where David Sanders Jr. revealed his decision to play for coach Josh Heupel and the Vols. He chose Tennessee over finalists Ohio State, Nebraska, and Georgia.

Nebraska’s late push to sway Sanders, despite not being a top contender earlier, was ultimately unsuccessful, leading to reactions of shock and disappointment from Cornhuskers fans. Fans took to X and reflected on the significance of this recruiting battle with sentiments:

“Nebraska in shambles," a fan said

“unbelievable," a fan remarked

Here are other fans who expressed their reactions on the social media platform:

"This dude bringing swag to campus," a fan said

"Gonna take Tennessee to new heights. 5 wins to 7," a fan remarked

Sanders, who played both offensive and defensive positions in leading Providence Day to another state title, earned the North Carolina Gatorade State Player of the Year honors. His commitment now headlines Tennessee’s 2025 recruiting class, which also includes highly-touted quarterback George MacIntyre and offensive lineman Douglas Utu, potentially positioning the Vols for a top-five class finish.

Expressing gratitude for the recruiting process, Sanders said through his agency, WME Sports,

“This journey has been a blessing, and I’m thankful to every school that considered me. Ultimately, my decision came down to where I truly felt like family. Tennessee felt like home,” Sanders said.

On3’s Director of Scouting, Charles Power, believes Sanders is poised to become a fixture at left tackle for the Vols,

“He has the look of a left tackle of the future for Tennessee,” Power said. “I see him as a multi-year starter."

David Sanders Jr.'s long-standing connection with Tennessee culminates in commitment

David Sanders Jr. has been on Tennessee's radar since eighth grade. The Volunteers, under offensive line coach Glen Elarbee, were relentless in pursuing him, maintaining a consistent presence throughout his recruitment.

“Tennessee offers a chance to contribute right away as a freshman,” Sanders previously noted. “The coaching staff, from Coach Heupel to Coach Elarbee, is fantastic. Coach Elarbee, in particular, is someone I respect a lot,” Sanders said.

The atmosphere inside Neyland Stadium on game days also played a crucial role in Sanders’ choice. He visited the campus five times in 2024 alone and attended key events like the spring game, the 865 Live Event, and a final visit in July.

“I have a deep connection with Tennessee’s coaching staff,” Sanders said in May at the On3 Elite Series in Nashville. “Coach Heupel and Coach Elarbee excel at building personal relationships. They’ve been the most consistent in reaching out to my parents and me.”

He also believes Tennessee is a place where players can truly be themselves.

“Even as a big SEC school with national championship aspirations, Tennessee lets you be yourself and develop into the best version of who you are,” Sanders added.

In his junior year, Sanders showcased his versatility, as he recorded 32 quarterback hurries, 24 tackles, and four sacks, all while anchoring an offense that powered his team to a state championship.