No. 3 player in the 2025 recruiting class commits to Tennessee football 

Tennessee football continues its hot streak on the recruiting trail, capping off an elite summer by adding the commitment of five-star offensive tackle David Sanders Jr. to its 2025 recruiting class. 

Sanders is the No. 1 ranked offensive lineman in the 2025 class, the No. 1 player in the state of North Carolina, and the No. 3 player in the class, according to 247 Sports. He chose the Vols over Ohio State, Georgia, and Nebraska. 

The Charlotte, North Carolina, native brings power and size to Tennessee’s offensive line and could anchor the 2025 class. Standing at 6-foot3, 290 pounds, Sanders might be an immediate starter when he arrives on Rocky Top next year. 

“Two-way player as a junior that was named North Carolina’s Gatorade Player of the Year after he kept the jersey clean of heralded quarterback recruit Jadyn Davis while adding 32 pressures and seven sacks on defense, 247 Sports’ Andrew Ivins writes about Sanders. “Tends to explode out of his stance and constantly plays with a sense of urgency as he is always looking for work. 

“Advanced hand placement gives him an advantage in pass sets as does his proficiency in changing course and refortifying. Should be viewed as one of the top overall talents in the 2025 cycle with his tools and work ethic. Likely will need a year or two to get the body right, but has multi-year starter upside with a chance to blossom into a first-round pick in the NFL Draft.”

Given Josh Heupel's track record of development, Sanders could be a menace at the next level. The Vols are now ranked No. 6 in the country for 2025’s recruiting class as the Vols continue to build momentum ahead of the season.