Ohio State’s Pursuit of David Sanders Jr. Ends as Five-Star Offensive Tackle Signs with Tennessee….
Ohio State’s ambitious efforts to add five-star offensive tackle David Sanders Jr. to its 2024 recruiting class officially ended on Thursday, as the highly touted prospect signed his National Letter of Intent with the Tennessee Volunteers. This decision marks a significant victory for Tennessee, while simultaneously delivering a setback to Ohio State, which had hoped to bolster its offensive line with one of the nation’s most elite recruits.
A Coveted Prospect
David Sanders Jr., hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina, has long been considered one of the crown jewels of the 2024 recruiting cycle. The 6-foot-6, 280-pound offensive lineman is widely regarded as the top offensive tackle in the class, thanks to his rare combination of size, athleticism, and technical skill. Sanders has drawn comparisons to some of the best offensive line prospects in recent memory and was a priority target for virtually every major program in the country.
Over the past two years, Sanders has garnered national attention with his dominant performances at Providence Day School. His ability to neutralize opposing pass rushers, combined with his effectiveness in run blocking, solidified his standing as a consensus five-star prospect. Programs like Georgia, Alabama, Michigan, Ohio State, and Tennessee all pursued Sanders heavily, but in the end, the Volunteers emerged victorious.
The Decision to Choose Tennessee
Sanders’ commitment to Tennessee is a testament to the program’s continued rise under head coach Josh Heupel. Tennessee has seen a resurgence in recent years, fueled by an explosive offense and strong recruiting efforts. The addition of Sanders signals that the Volunteers are not only a competitive force in the SEC but are also capable of winning key recruiting battles against perennial powerhouses.
In interviews following his decision, Sanders cited several factors that influenced his choice. Chief among them was Tennessee’s vision for his development and the relationship he built with the coaching staff. Offensive line coach Glen Elarbee played a pivotal role in securing Sanders’ commitment, emphasizing how Tennessee’s system could maximize his potential and prepare him for a future in the NFL.
“Tennessee felt like home from the moment I stepped on campus,” Sanders said. “The coaches made it clear how much they value me and my ability to contribute to their success. Their plan for my development, both on and off the field, really stood out to me. I’m excited to be part of what they’re building in Knoxville.”
Ohio State’s Recruitment Efforts
For Ohio State, losing out on Sanders is undoubtedly a disappointment. The Buckeyes had been pursuing the elite tackle for months and were considered one of his top contenders as recently as early November. Offensive line coach Justin Frye and head coach Ryan Day spearheaded the recruitment, making several visits to Sanders and his family while highlighting Ohio State’s track record of developing NFL-caliber linemen.
Ohio State’s reputation as a perennial College Football Playoff contender and its history of producing first-round offensive linemen were significant selling points. The Buckeyes also emphasized their need for immediate impact players on the offensive line, particularly after a 2023 season where depth and consistency in the trenches became a concern.
Despite their best efforts, Ohio State ultimately fell short. Analysts have speculated that the Buckeyes’ distance from Sanders’ home, as well as Tennessee’s momentum and SEC appeal, may have played a role in his decision.
What This Means for Tennessee
Landing Sanders is a massive win for Tennessee and a testament to the program’s growing ability to attract top-tier talent. Sanders’ addition bolsters an already strong recruiting class for the Volunteers, who are building a roster capable of competing for SEC titles and playoff berths in the years to come.
On the field, Sanders projects as a potential Day 1 starter for Tennessee. His blend of power, quickness, and football IQ makes him an ideal fit for the Volunteers’ up-tempo offensive scheme. Sanders has the versatility to play both left and right tackle, giving Tennessee flexibility in how they structure their offensive line.
His commitment also sends a message to other elite recruits that Tennessee is a destination where players can thrive and achieve their NFL aspirations. As the Volunteers continue to ascend in the SEC, Sanders could very well become a cornerstone of their success.
What’s Next for Ohio State?
While missing out on Sanders is a blow to Ohio State, the Buckeyes remain in strong position to assemble a top-five recruiting class in 2024. The program has already secured commitments from several high-profile players, including five-star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and five-star defensive lineman Justin Scott. However, the offensive line remains an area of focus, and Ohio State will need to regroup quickly to address this need.
The Buckeyes are expected to pivot their attention to other offensive tackle prospects, including four-star Brandon Baker and three-star Jordan Seaton, both of whom remain uncommitted. Additionally, Ohio State has shown a willingness to explore the transfer portal to fill immediate gaps, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Buckeyes target experienced linemen during the offseason.
Ohio State’s ability to recruit and develop elite talent has been a cornerstone of its sustained success under Ryan Day. While losing out on Sanders stings, the program has proven resilient in overcoming recruiting misses in the past.
The Broader Recruiting Landscape
Sanders’ decision also highlights the shifting dynamics in college football recruiting. The rise of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, combined with the growing appeal of SEC programs, has created a more competitive environment for elite prospects. Programs like Tennessee, which historically have not been considered among the recruiting elite, are now able to challenge and beat traditional powerhouses for top-tier talent.
For Ohio State, this serves as a reminder that the recruiting landscape is as competitive as ever. The Buckeyes will need to continue innovating and building strong relationships to maintain their edge in landing elite prospects.
Conclusion
David Sanders Jr.’s decision to sign with Tennessee is a major milestone for both the player and the program. For Sanders, it marks the next step in a promising football career. For Tennessee, it represents a significant victory in the ever-intensifying battle for recruiting supremacy.
While Ohio State will undoubtedly be disappointed to have missed out on Sanders, the Buckeyes remain a national powerhouse with plenty of opportunities to strengthen their roster. As the recruiting cycle winds down, all eyes will turn to how programs like Ohio State and Tennessee continue to shape their future with the talent they’ve secured.
In the end, Sanders’ journey underscores the unpredictable nature of college football recruiting and the immense impact that one player can have on a program’s trajectory. As Sanders prepares to join the Volunteers, the anticipation of what he can achieve at Tennessee will undoubtedly be one of the top storylines to follow in the years to come.
