It’s no secret that five-star athlete Ja’Tavion Sanders is expected to make an immediate impact for Texas this season.
Sanders was the Longhorns highest rated signee from the 2021 recruiting class. He was the No. 1 overall athlete in the cycle and a top-12 player in the nation according to 247Sports composite.
Although it’s unclear at the moment where head coach Steve Sarkisian will use Sanders on the field, his unique athleticism and physical traits will be on full display regardless of which side of the ball he is on. The two likely landing spots are tight end or defensive end.
Athlon Sports recently examined which true freshmen could have the biggest impact in college football this fall. Sanders was the only Big 12 player mentioned.
The new Texas staff will sort out where Sanders will play this offseason, but the 6-foot-4 athlete might make the biggest impact from the 2021 class in Austin. The Denton native caught 35 passes for 658 yards and 11 touchdowns, while also recording four sacks on defense. Sanders’ versatility and eventual position will be something to watch in 2021 practices.
Sanders is in good company on the list alongside Alabama’s Tommy Brockermeyer, Jacorey Brooks, and Ga’Quincy McKinstry. The list also includes several other players from the SEC and SMU quarterback Preston Stone.
There’s no reason to believe that Sarkisian won’t put Sanders in the best position to succeed. He has serious potential to become the Big 12 Offensive (or defensive) Freshman of the Year.