As big of a disappointment the 2021 recruiting class was for Tom Herman and his former staff, five-star athlete Ja’Tavion Sanders was the crown jewel. He ended up as the Longhorns’ top-rated recruit on the 247Sports composite and the only five-star.
The Denton Ryan product showed his ability on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball throughout high school. Because of that, nobody was quite sure where he would line up in Austin. Both Herman and Steve Sarkisian have said he will be tried and tested on both sides.
During the Orange and White game, the Longhorn Network broadcast asked about Sanders and where he will fit into the lineup. Sarkisian mentioned both he and defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski have been looking for a way to fit him into their schemes.
Sarkisian said Sanders is going to start his Texas career on the offensive side of the ball. Whether wide receiver or tight end will be the position is still yet to be seen.
Steve Sarkisian said Ja'Tavion Sanders will start on the offensive side of the ball
— Griffin McVeigh (@Griffin_McVeigh) April 24, 2021
Jack was considered a position of concern going into the season and possibly a place Sanders could be plugged in. However, Ray Thornton has come in from LSU and excelled throughout spring practice.
Freshman tight ends Gunnar Helm and Juan Davis played a big role in the spring game as well. Watching Sarkisian find ways to implement Sanders into the offense will be one of the main storylines of fall camp.
Sanders was listed at 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds on 247Sports. His run toward a 6A-DI state championship with Denton Ryan saw an impressive one-handed catch. No wonder Sarkisian wants him to aid his brand new starting quarterback.