David Sanders wasn’t a five-star failure as a Tennessee freshman.
The notion seems ridiculous now.
After all, he was a 2025 Freshman All-American. And Sanders, arguably the No. 1 offensive tackle in the 2025 recruiting class, now enters his sophomore season as a rising star in the SEC.
But mentoring another blue-chip recruit helped Sanders open up about the doubts he had to overcome during his breakout freshman season. After a recent preseason practice, he recognized discouragement in freshman Gabriel Osenda, who was also rated as a five-star offensive tackle by some recruiting services.
“Gabe came in with a higher rank, kind of like I did. When (offensive linemen) talk to me about the pressure of their freshman year – not wanting to be the one
that’s posted on Instagram as the college bust – I can feel that pain,” Sanders said on Aug. 11.
“I had the same worries last year, trying to understand the playbook and just get on the field as a freshman.”
But the days when Sanders was doubted seem like the distant past.
He’s confident after starting the final six games of last season at right tackle. He feels at home after moving to left tackle, his natural position. And he’s now stronger and quicker in his 6-foot-6, 310-pound frame after going through new strength coach Derek Owings’ demanding offseason program.
“He’s incredible, man. I’d love one day to be able to walk around and look like that,” offensive line coach Glen Elarbee said of Sanders' new physique. “And now he is so different. There are things that he can do technique-wise that before when he was light (weight) – light and not strong – that he had to find ways to make up for.
“He’s freaky talented. And he’s as good looking as he possibly can be.”
Why Tennessee offensive line 'wilted' in 2025 season
Sanders’ transformation is symbolic of where the offensive line wants to improve.
Last season, it was talented but tired. The Vols went 3-4 in their last seven games as the offensive line lost steam in the stretch run.
“I think our fuel tank needed to be longer,” Elarbee said. “I just thought we wilted that last half (of the season). We just couldn’t sustain, and that’s been the emphasis. Every day you walk off the practice field, you want to be at the point where they almost have to carry you off.
"We’re trying to build our gas tank, so when we get halfway through the season we can finish and hammer the way we need to.”
Why Glen Elarbee has hard task of picking starters
Depth is one solution to that endurance problem, and UT certainly has it.
Five offensive linemen who were starters or part-time starters last season are back. Sanders and left guard Wendell Moe are Preseason All-SEC selections. Sam Pendleton returns at center.
On the right side, there are numerous combinations for Elarbee to explore. Jesse Perry, a 2025 Freshman All-American, started at right guard and right tackle last season. He could play either position this season.
Veteran Sham Umarov started 10 games at left guard last season. He’s now splitting time between left guard and right guard.
Transfer Donovan Haslam started at West Virginia last season, and he’s competing at right guard. Haslam is trying to trim down his 6-3, 350-pound frame, but he’s impressed Elarbee.
“He’s absolutely the most physical dude since I’ve been here,” Elarbee said. “Not even a question. He’s violent – like, violent. That’s his superpower.”
And, finally, LSU transfer Ory Williams is an option at right tackle and could bump Perry to guard. Then again, Perry could start at right tackle, leaving Umarov and Haslam to vie for the right guard spot.
The Vols are so deep that Osenda, the blue-chip freshman under Sanders’ wing, has time to develop rather than play immediately.
Elarbee acknowledged that he’s got more options and combinations on the offensive line than in any of his six seasons at UT. Now comes the hard part: Picking his best five.
“Is it experience? Is it athleticism? What gives you the best advantage? It all matters, and that’s what we’ve got to figure out,” Elarbee said. “Man, it sure ain’t easy.”
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: How Tennessee tackle David Sanders overcame his fear of being a 5-star bust
