Star Texas tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders has officially declared his early departure from school to enter the NFL draft, sharing the news with ESPN. Currently positioned as the No. 2 tight end in Mel Kiper Jr.’s ESPN rankings, Sanders conveyed his fulfillment of a childhood dream in a phone interview on Saturday.
Reflecting on his journey, Sanders stated, “It’s been a childhood dream to play college football and get to the NFL.” This simple yet profound sentiment encapsulates the significance of this moment in his career. He expressed genuine gratitude, emphasizing, “It’s just a blessing to be where I’m at today.”
This pivotal decision comes on the heels of a remarkable season for Sanders at Texas, where he showcased his prowess with 45 catches for 682 yards and two touchdowns. ESPN Stats & Information reveals his notable achievement of ranking third in receiving yards among tight ends. A standout feat lies in Sanders maintaining a perfect catch record over the past 13 games, solidifying his status as one of the draft’s most reliable pass-catchers.
Strategically, Sanders promptly informed Texas coach Steve Sarkisian of his choice, underlining the crucial support he received from the coaching staff. “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,” he asserted. Sanders underscored Coach Sark’s unwavering support, stating, “Coach Sark, he supported me in whatever I do. He wants [me to] be great in whatever I do.”
As Sanders gears up for the pre-draft process, his focus is on proving himself as the premier tight end. Expressing eagerness to engage in workouts with Georgia’s Brock Bowers, currently regarded as the top tight end in the draft, Sanders welcomes the challenge of competing with Bowers. Confidence exudes from him as he emphasizes his versatility at tight end, declaring, “I’m versatile. I can do it all.” His assurance lies in the ability to seamlessly transition between various receiving positions or assume a grounded stance.
Drawing inspiration from Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end Travis Kelce, Sanders seeks to elevate his game. “When you look at his game, he slows the game down,” observed Sanders. “He understands coverages and fronts. That helps him run the best routes and get open for his quarterback.”
Acknowledging the instrumental role played by his family and coaches at Texas, Sanders expressed gratitude towards Coach 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 conveyed. “Going out and playing ultimately to get me where I am today, it’s a dream come true and a blessing.”
As Ja’Tavion Sanders embarks on this new chapter, his declaration symbolizes the realization of a lifelong aspiration. His determination to prove himself as a top-tier talent in the NFL draft is poised to captivate the attention of football enthusiasts and scouts alike. The simplicity of his gratitude and the unwavering support he received from his collegiate coaches underscore the values that have shaped Sanders’s journey, making this transition a testament to hard work, talent, and the pursuit of a dream.
