Tennessee offensive tackle David Sanders dipped into his NIL fund to donate $20,000 to his high school football program, he announced on social media July 30.
Sanders is a former five-star recruit. He earned Freshman All-America honors in 2025 and was voted preseason All-SEC heading into the 2026 season.
Sanders was among the most coveted players in the 2025 recruiting class and, presumably, among the highest paid. But he wanted to give back to Providence Day School in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he developed his skills to become an elite prospect.
"Thank you to Providence Day School to allow me to come back and donate to my Alma mater. I graciously donated Providence Day with $20,000," Sanders posted on his X account. "Thank you to @xtechpads
for helping me support the boys with shoulder pads as well. It’s a blessing to be able to give back."
Thank you to Providence Day School to allow me to come back and donate to my Alma mater. I graciously donated Providence Day with $20,000. Thank you to @xtechpads for helping me support the boys with shoulder pads as well. It’s a blessing to be able to give back. pic.twitter.com/eqgr7gUPHY
— David Sanders Jr. (@DavidLSandersJr) July 30, 2026
XTech is a football equipment company that Sanders utilized to make donation. In the social media post, he posed for photos holding a large $20,000 check along with Providence Day School coaches and players.
In the NIL era, charitable donations, youth camps and funding community service projects are among the way that college athletes can use their newfound pay. UT players have chipped in throughout this offseason.
Meanwhile, Sanders enters a pivotal 2026 season. He moved from right tackle to left tackle in the spring. He is among four returning starters on UT's offensive line. It will pave the way for 1,000-yard rusher DeSean Bishop and protect a new starting quarterback, either George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon.
Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee football's David Sanders donates NIL money to high school
