Ja’Tavion Sanders: The Country’s Future TE1

TE Ja’Tavion Sanders

Ja’Tavion Sanders was the last big pull from the Herman administration in Austin, and if there’s anything to appreciate him for, it’s this kid. Sanders decided to stick it out when Herman was fired and replaced with Sarkisian, and now he will reap the benefits. Sarkisian loves to use his TE’s, and this is the most special one he’s had. 2022 will be a huge year for Sanders, and I can’t wait to see it. 

High School and Recruiting:

Ja’Tavion Sanders was very highly rated coming into college. He was ranked as the number one ATH and 15th player overall. His tape was insane, check it out for yourself. Sanders played his high school sports at Denton Ryan High School in Denton, TX. He finished his HS career with 132 catches for 2,352 yards and 26 TDs. Personally, I believed even with his receiving chops, he would play EDGE at Texas. However, he chose to play offense and I believe it’ll be a great choice. Ja’Tavion committed to Texas over offers from Alabama, Georgia, Florida, LSU, Ohio St., Notre Dame, and many more. 

On Field Skills:

As a receiver, Sanders has some ridiculous plays on his high school tape. One of his one handed TD catches went viral. He is listed at 6’4” 249 pounds, the perfect size for the position. His size projects him to be a matchup nightmare on linebackers and safeties in the pass game. As well as being able to hold up against pass rushers when left in to protect. He also could completely obliterate the new age 215 pound linebackers all around the country in the run game. Elite ball skills, elite size, if the blocking ever comes along this kid is going to be special.

Outlook for Texas in 2022:

Sanders will likely be the number one in-line TE for the Longhorns. He has the skills to split out into the slot as well, but Jahleel Billingsley will likely man that spot more this season. Ja’Tavion will have the chance to have a huge impact on this year’s offense. Steve Sarkisian always says the TE is the second most important position in his offense, and Sanders may be the most talented one he’s ever got to coach. He proved his receiving chops in the spring game, and I expect to see it a lot more in the real games. 

Career Outlook:

This kid will be a household name by the end of this season, book it. His blend of size and athleticism don’t usually stay on the offensive side of the ball. He is going to destroy opposing defenses for 2 years in Austin, on his way to being a first round NFL draft pick. All it takes is one NFL GM to love you, and I think more than one will love Sanders. If you don’t know the name now, that’s understandable. However, if you don’t know it in 2 years, something went horribly wrong.

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