A stronger, more skilled and hungrier David Sanders Jr. has taken on a whole new role for Tennessee this spring, setting expectations high for next season.
After a productive debut year with the Vols where he allowed zero sacks in nine games while playing the unfamiliar right tackle position, Sanders earned a 2025 SEC All-Freshman Team selection.
Now with added experience and increased muscle mass, the rising sophomore who made the “smooth” transition to the more comfortable spot of left tackle this offseason, feels as confident and ready as ever to help anchor the Vols’ offense in 2026.
“I feel a lot more comfortable this year,” Sanders said after his first week of spring camp. “A lot stronger, a lot bigger, a lot more explosive…”
As one of several returning starters from Tennessee’s offensive line last season, Sanders envisions an unproblematic and tight group of big men up front whose experience and camaraderie will greatly benefit their team in the fall.
“This year we have more of a cohesive group,” Sanders said of his o-line cohort. “We do a good job of holding each other accountable… teaching the young guys how they’re supposed to conduct themselves on and off the field.”
Thrust into the role of bonafide starter and cornerstone of the Volunteers’ offensive line for the next couple of years, Sanders has become a more vocal leader thus far in spring camp. Rather than shying away, the sophomore has thrived in his new role on the squad.
“I do a good job with the leadership role,” he said. “Within the offensive line room, I feel like a lot of people listen to me… little things I have to say, I feel like people take heed.”
As for on-field improvements, Sanders feels light-years ahead of where he was last season, now just two weeks into spring camp.
Sanders humorously recalled recent film sessions where he saw last season’s performances, and several bad playing habits that he has since gotten rid of.
“Honestly, it's impressive and it's just like– how did you even survive?" Sanders said of his on-tape product from last season. “It’s kind of funny when you go back and look at it, I’ve definitely [come] a long way for sure.”
The key to improvement for Sanders in just three months has been playing freer and more natural.
“I’m doing less thinking, and more playing off instinct,” the sophomore said.
With eyes set on collective success this season, including earning the esteemed Joe Moore award given to college football’s best offensive line, Sanders has clear goals and expectations for his offensive line group this season.
“Obviously we got the [Joe Moore] Award. We’re all coming back, so we feel like that's very attainable for us this year," Sanders said. “The only way we’re going to do that is if we play nasty."