LIVE SCOUTING REPORT: South Carolina DL T.J. Sanders – A 2025 NFL Draft Prospect to Watch
T.J. Sanders, a standout defensive lineman for the South Carolina Gamecocks, has been a key contributor over the past two seasons and is now poised to hear his name called in the 2025 NFL Draft. Here’s an in-depth look at his measurables, background, strengths, and potential at the next level.
Measurables
- Height: 6’4”
- Weight: 290 lbs
Player Background
Hailing from Marlon High School, T.J. Sanders was one of South Carolina’s top prospects in the 2021 recruiting class, ranked as a Top-10 player in the state and among the Top-100 defensive linemen nationally. Despite his three-star status, Sanders quickly proved his worth.
- 2021: Redshirted, appeared in two games with a quarterback hurry.
- 2022: Played in 12 games, recording 16 tackles, a sack, and a pass breakup.
- 2023: Broke out with over 40 tackles, 9.5 tackles-for-loss, 4.5 sacks, and four PBUs.
- 2024: Elevated his stock further, finishing with 51 tackles, seven TFLs, four sacks, and one pass breakup over 13 games.
Accolades
- 2024 SEC Interior Defender of the Year
- Third-Team All-America (2024)
- Second-Team All-SEC (2024)
- Third-Team All-SEC (2023)
Strengths/Pros
Sanders brings a blend of power and technical skill to the defensive line:
- Explosive Burst
- His quick first step out of the stance allows him to create leverage early and puncture gaps effectively.
- Strong Interior Presence
- Sanders uses his length and strength to dominate at the point of attack. He’s a reliable run-stopper with the ability to swarm ball carriers and make big plays in the backfield.
- Pass-Rush Ability
- Displays a solid whip move and can reset his base to regain momentum quickly. His hand usage and arm strength help him win battles against offensive linemen.
- Versatility
- Has experience across multiple spots on the defensive line, making him adaptable to various defensive schemes.
- Run Defense
- Anchors well against inside runs and disengages laterally to close out plays with efficiency.
Weaknesses/Cons
While Sanders is a promising prospect, he has areas to address:
- Limited Athleticism
- Not particularly nimble laterally, which restricts his ability to work along the line of scrimmage.
- Pad Level Issues
- Plays too high at times, losing leverage early in plays and making it harder to maintain a drive.
- Stiffness Under Pressure
- If his initial move fails, Sanders struggles to adjust, often relying too heavily on a bull rush.
- Conditioning Concerns
- His stamina wanes late in games, raising questions about his ability to handle a three-down role in the NFL.
Potential Team Fits
- Buffalo Bills
- Minnesota Vikings
- Green Bay Packers
Teams needing rotational defensive line depth will likely find Sanders appealing, particularly for his ability to contribute in run-stopping and pass-rush packages.
NFL Projection
T.J. Sanders projects as an early Day 3 pick (4th round) with the potential to thrive in a rotational role. While he may not start immediately, his skills as a reliable all-around defender will make him a valuable addition to any team. Improvements in conditioning and lateral mobility could elevate him to a more prominent role over time.
Prospect Grade
- Early 4th Round
Film Exposures
- 2024 vs. Clemson
- 2024 vs. Alabama
- 2024 vs. LSU
With his blend of power, explosiveness, and resilience, T.J. Sanders has the tools to be an impactful presence at the next level. Keep an eye on this Gamecock standout as draft season heats up!
