Scouting Profile: T.J. Sanders - IDL - South Carolina
Sales Pitch: Undersized but explosive 3T with strong college production. Lack of size and strength will limit his team fits but projects as a quality starter in a single gap scheme.
*Gold Numbers Indicate NCAA T-25 for 2024*
Scouting Report
T.J. Sanders is a former 3-Star recruit from South Carolina after starring football and basketball for Marion High School. He was a multi-year contributor for the Gamecocks before breaking out in 2024 with 5 sacks and 33 pressures to secure 2nd Team All-SEC honors.
Sanders is an undersized athletic defensive lineman. He displays excellent burst and quickness to create disruption as a penetrator in the run game. His lateral agility allows him to match angles and keep his leverage on zone concepts. Despite his lower weight Sanders does a solid job holding up versus base blocks at the point of attack. He plays with good pad level and toughness to hold his ground versus bigger defenders. Sanders has a relentless motor and makes multiple plays a game after seemingly being out of the picture. He can be seen chasing down ball carriers 20 to 30 yards down the field even after rushing the passer. As a pass rusher the name of his game is quickness. He uses a strong first step and fast hands to get first contact on lineman and create initial knockback. He has the burst and agility to run around IOL when left one on one on an island. Sanders doesn’t boast a deep pass rush arsenal but his two-hand swipe and push-pull are quite effective. South Carolina loved to use it’s lineman on stunts and twists to take advantage of their movement skills and Sanders was one of their best weapons when they did so.
For as good as an athlete as Sanders is, his lack of size does hinder him. He lacks the anchor to hold his ground consistently versus down blocks and double teams. When lineman are able to get underneath his pads and take his leverage he is easily washed out of the play. His struggles in the run will pigeon hole him in terms of alignment and scheme versatility. Sanders is a rather one dimensional pass rusher. Outside of his initial knockback he lacks the ability to consistently win with power. His below average weight and strength allow bigger lineman to anchor and stall his rush if he does not win quickly.
Sanders profiles as a 3T in a single gap run scheme. His motor and movement skills are perfect in a rotation for a scheme that asks it’s lineman to attack aggressively upfield. Sander projects as a Day-2 pick who’s juice and pass rush skills can contribute right away with starter upside down the line.