Tag: ja’tavion sanders

2021 Recruiting Profile: Denton Ryan athlete Ja’Tavion Sanders

Top rated 2021 recruit for the Texas Longhorns Ja’Tavion Sanders. Will Sanders be the next ‘Jack’ for the Longhorns defense?

While Ja’Tavion Sanders is both a pass catcher and pass rusher, he is projected as a quarterback hunter for the Longhorns. Once Joseph Ossai moves on to the NFL, look for Sanders to try and take up the mantle as the “Jack” over the next several years for Texas.

Sanders was the first player to commit in the 2021 recruiting class and he is also the highest-rated one. He gives the Longhorns their second-straight commitment from a 247Sports composite five-star after the team signed Alfred Collins in the last cycle.

Vitals
Hometown Denton, Texas
Projected Position Defensive End/Jack
Height 6-3.5
Weight 220
Rating
Stars Overall State Position
247 4 17 3 2
Rivals 4 45 7 2
ESPN 4 48 5 4
247 Composite 5 24 4 2
Commitment (September 8, 2019)

Analysis

Power Five-caliber recruit on both sides of the ball as an edge defender and flex tight end. Good height with enough frame space to add some bulk. Flashes straight-line athleticism to run by much smaller players, including as a wideout in the passing game. Quick off the line when playing in a three-point stance. Not just an edge-bender but a corner-turner when rushing the passer. Strong tackler. High-motor player who’s active and engaged against the run. Shows encouraging hands-catching ability for a two-way player with ample defensive experience. Dangerous against the screen pass because of that. Could potentially fit multiple defensive schemes. Strong junior campaign on offense reinvigorated case for long-term offensive positional home. Great ball skills. Strong production when considering two-way duties against good competition. Will need to expand pass-rushing repertoire if playing off the edge in college. Relies on athleticism to beat high school OT’s. If playing tight end, will need to hone technique as a blocker in the box as he’s often asked to play as a wideout, rather than an in-line TE or H-back. Very intriguing prospect thanks to physical potential, athleticism, and playmaking ability on both sides of the ball. Possesses long-term early-round NFL Draft ceiling. – Gabe Brooks 247Sports