Josh Heupel's Tennessee lands commitment from 5-star plus OT David Sanders Jr. to the class of 2025

Five-star plus offensive tackle David Sanders Jr., from Providence Day School High School in North Carolina, announced his commitment to Tennessee's 2025 class. He took official visits to South Carolina, Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Nebraska, Tennessee and Ohio State before eventually giving his pledge to the Volunteers.

Georgia was a strong contender throughout this summer, but Tennessee and Nebraska emerged as the final frontrunners. The Cornhuskers entered the picture after five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola hda flipped his commitment from Georgia to the program, but the Vols eventually won Sanders' pledge.

Tennessee first offered Sanders in April 2023, and since then, he has visited Knoxville at least seven times, with his most recent official visit occurring in June.

“This process has been a blessing and I’m so grateful to every school that considered and recruited me,” Sanders said ( via On3).

“There are so many things to weigh when it comes to making a decision like this, but what it came down to for me, and what was most important above everything else, was that I’d end up somewhere where I truly felt like family."

Coach Josh Heupel and offensive line coach Glen Elarbee were leading Sanders' recruitment. He also bonded with current Tennessee players James Pearce Jr. and Daevin Hobbs before his commitment.

With David Sanders's commitment, just four of the top 10 prospects in the 2025 class now remain uncommitted. Meanwhile, Tennessee now has 22 recruits in its 2025 class, which ranks No. 7 nationally and No. 5 in the SEC.

Sanders is the highest-rated player in the class, joining other blue-chip talents like offensive tackle Douglas Utu, quarterback George MacIntyre and offensive guard Nic Moore.

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David Sanders Jr.'s athletic profile

Andre Ivins, 247Sports Director of Scouting, drew similarities between David Sanders Jr. and current Seattle Seahawk star Charles Cross.

Ivins believes Sanders has the potential to develop into a franchise cornerstone with his impressive foot quickness and reactionary skills, which are necessary traits for a top-tier offensive tackle.

Sanders led Providence Day School to another state championship in his junior season in 2023, earning North Carolina Gatorade State Player of the Year honors. He recorded 32 hurries, 24 tackles and four sacks that season. He also earned selection to the MaxPreps Sophomore All-America team in his sophomore season in 2022.

Sanders is a multi-sport athlete, contributing to Providence Day’s basketball team as well as excelling in track and field. He's a two-time state qualifier in shot put and discus throw, with personal bests of 53-3.5 and 143-1 respectively.

David Sanders is expected to enroll early for spring practice at Tennessee. He's ranked as the No. 6 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 2 offensive tackle in the 2025 class and the No. 1 recruit in North Carolina, according to On3.

He's placed by 247 Sports as the No. 3 overall prospect nationally, the No. 1 offensive tackle in the class and the No. 1 recruit in the state.