Recruiting analyst's evaluation of Vols 5-star signee David Sanders at the Polynesian Bowl should have Tennessee fans excited for 2025

Sanders competed at the Polynesian Bowl this past week and he received a review from On3 recruiting analyst Charles Power that will undoubtedly get Vols fans excited. 

Power noted that Sanders "easily" mirrored pass rushers while also pointing out that the five-star recruit was "rarely out of position". 

"Some of the quarterback success in the Polynesian Bowl has to be credited to the lack of pressure felt on the left side of the line," wrote Power. "That’s due to the fantastic play of Five-Star Plus+ offensive tackles – Tennessee signee David Sanders Jr. and Oklahoma signee Michael Fasusi – who manned the first-team left tackle spots for each squad. Both were close to perfect in pass protection. Sanders flashed his elite movement skills, easily mirroring pass rushers. The high level twitch out of his stance allowed him to stay in front of defenders. He was rarely out of position. Sanders also showed a quality anchor, not giving up much ground once engaged."

Sanders will likely start at right tackle in 2025 with Lance Heard, a former LSU offensive lineman, starting at left tackle for the Vols for a second season in a row (it's also possible that Sanders could start at left tackle with Heard moving to right tackle). 

Trusting a true freshman to start on the offensive line is a bit risky, but Sanders isn't your typical true freshman. The North Carolina native already looks like a seasoned veteran who could end up being a top 10 selection in the NFL draft in a few years.