Tennessee football freshman named to Preseason True Freshman All-American Team

Tennessee football adds another player to the list of Vols with preseason recognition as true Freshman offensive tackle David Sanders has been named to On3 Sports' 2025 Preseason True Freshman All-American Team.

"A former Five-Star Plus+ prospect who was the jewel of Tennessee’s recruiting class, David Sanders is on pace to pay immediate dividends," On3 writes about Sanders ahead of his freshman season.

"Sanders is set to start at right tackle for the Volunteers. The 6-foot-6, 305-pounder was the twitchiest pass blocker in a 2025 cycle that was loaded with elite offensive tackles. Sanders has earned praise throughout fall camp and could be primed to make a splash in the SEC as a true freshman."

Sanders is the third-straight true Freshman to make the preseason All-American team for Tennessee. Boo Carter made the list in 2024, and Arion Carter was recognized on the list in 2023. Both of those players have been a big factor in Tennessee football in their first years on campus. 

Excluding the summer drama with Boo, each player has been an impact player for the Vols, and Sanders has the potential to be another dominant player for the Vols with preseason All-American recognition. 

Sanders joined the Vols this spring as an early enrollee with expectations to be one of Tennessee's starting tackles. He has met those expectations throughout the spring and summer, including putting on 35 pounds since joining Tennessee. 

Tennessee's offensive line could be a big reason for Tennessee's offensive success this year. If Sanders can be an anchor for the offensive line, the Vols could have a bright future in the trenches with five-star 2026 quarterback Faizon Brandon joining the Vols after this year.