Star Texas Tight End Ja’Tavion Sanders Declares for NFL Draft
By Pete Thamel
Jan 6, 2024, 03:02 PM ET
Star Texas tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders has announced that he will be leaving school early to enter the NFL draft. Sanders, who is ranked as the No. 2 tight end in ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.’s rankings, made the decision after careful consideration and discussions with his family.
“It’s been a childhood dream to play college football and get to the NFL,” Sanders said in a phone interview on Saturday. “It’s just a blessing to be where I’m at today.”
This season, Sanders had an impressive performance, recording 45 catches for 682 yards and two touchdowns for Texas. He ranked No. 3 in receiving yards among tight ends, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Notably, Sanders did not drop a pass in the past 13 games, establishing himself as one of the draft’s most reliable pass-catchers.
Sanders expressed his gratitude towards Texas coach Steve Sarkisian, stating that he received full support from him. “After talking with my family and praying to God about it and thinking long and hard about it, this decision is what’s best for me and my family,” Sanders said. “Coach Sark, he supported me in whatever I do. He wants [me to] be great in whatever I do.”
Looking ahead to the pre-draft process, Sanders aims to prove that he is the top tight end. He plans to work out with Georgia’s Brock Bowers, who is considered the top tight end in the draft, and is excited about the opportunity to compete with him.
One of Sanders’ strengths is his versatility at the tight end position. He can line up at any receiving spot or with his hand on the ground, making him a valuable asset for any team. “I’m versatile. I can do it all,” he confidently stated.
Sanders draws inspiration from Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, whom he models his game after. “When you look at his game, he slows the game down,” Sanders explained. “He understands coverages and fronts. That helps him run the best routes and get open for his quarterback.”
Throughout his journey, Sanders expressed his gratitude towards his family and coaches at Texas, particularly acknowledging the support of Sarkisian and tight ends coach Jeff Banks. “I’m beyond grateful. To even get a chance to play at the University of Texas is just a blessing,” he said. “Going out and playing ultimately to get me where I am today, it’s a dream come true and a blessing.”
