50 Facts About Ja’Tavion Sanders

Early Life and High School Achievements

Ja'Tavion Sanders has been a standout athlete from a young age. His journey began in Denton, Texas, where he quickly made a name for himself in high school football.

1. Birthdate: March 27, 2003
2. Birthplace: Denton, Texas
3. High School: Billy Ryan High School
4. Named first-team All-District 4-5A Division 1 at defensive end.
5. Co-MVP of District 5-5A Division 1.
6. First-team honoree on Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Super Team in 2020.
7. 5A All-State Defensive Player of the Year and first-team all-state at defensive end by the Texas Sports Writers Association in 2019.
8. Honorable mention 5A All-State by the Associated Press.

High School Statistics and Performance

Sanders' high school stats are a testament to his versatility and skill on both sides of the ball.

9. 63 receptions for 1,161 yards and 16 touchdowns.
10. Rushed 23 times for 71 yards and three touchdowns.
11. Four sacks and an interception on defense.
12. Part of a defense that allowed 11.3 points per game, including three shutouts and nine games of 10 points or fewer.

College Recruitment and Career

As a five-star recruit, Sanders had his pick of top college programs but chose to play for the Texas Longhorns.

13. A five-star recruit in 2021, Sanders committed to play college football at the University of Texas over offers from Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M.
14. Joined the Texas Longhorns as an early enrollee in 2021.
15. Played on both offense and defense during preseason practices but was ultimately decided to play tight end.
16. Played in all 12 games of his freshman season primarily on special teams.

College Achievements and Statistics

Sanders' college career saw him evolve into a key player for the Longhorns, earning multiple accolades.

17. Became the Longhorns' primary tight end after transfer Jahleel Billingsley was suspended for the team's first six games.
18. Twice-named All-Big 12 before declaring for the 2024 NFL draft following the team's loss in the 2024 Sugar Bowl.
19. 2021: 12 games, 0 receptions, 0 yards, 0 touchdowns.
20. 2022: 13 games, 54 receptions, 613 yards, 5 touchdowns.
21. 2023: 14 games, 45 receptions, 682 yards, 2 touchdowns.
22. Career: 39 games, 99 receptions, 1,295 yards, 7 touchdowns.

Record-Breaking Performances

Sanders set multiple records during his time at Texas, showcasing his exceptional talent.

23. Ranks first all-time among Texas tight ends in career receptions (99).
24. Ranks second in receiving yards among Texas tight ends (1,295).
25. Ranks sixth in receiving touchdowns among Texas tight ends (seven).
26. Set a single-season record for a UT tight end with 682 receiving yards in 2023.
27. Tied for the third-most receptions in a season in program history with 45 in 2023.
28. The only Texas tight end in program history with multiple career 100-yard receiving games.

Scouting Report and Physical Attributes

Sanders' scouting report highlights his strengths as both a receiver and a blocker, making him a valuable asset for any NFL team.

29. A complete tight end who will bring value to an NFL team both as a receiver and as a blocker.
30. Height: 6 ft 3+7⁄8 in (1.93 m)
31. Weight: 245 lb (111 kg)
32. Arm length: 32+7⁄8 in (0.84 m)
33. Hand span: 10+1⁄8 in (0.26 m)
34. 40-yard dash: 4.69 s
35. 10-yard split: 1.59 s
36. 20-yard split: 2.70 s
37. 20-yard shuttle: 4.32 s
38. Vertical jump: 30.0 in (0.76 m)
39. Broad jump: 9 ft 6 in (2.90 m)
40. Bench press: 8 reps

NFL Draft and Professional Career

Sanders' transition to the NFL marks the next chapter in his promising career.

41. Selected 101st overall by the Carolina Panthers in the 2024 NFL draft.
42. Currently playing for the Carolina Panthers as a tight end.

High School Defensive and Offensive Achievements

Sanders' high school career was marked by numerous accolades and impressive stats on both offense and defense.

43. Selected for the 2021 Under Armour All-America Game.
44. Named a finalist for the 2020 SI All-American team.
45. Chosen as a finalist for the 2020 Mr. Texas Football award.
46. Ranked No. 13 nationally, No. 2 among athletes, and No. 2 in the state of Texas by ESPN.
47. Rated No. 13 nationally, No. 1 among athletes, and No. 3 in the state of Texas by Rivals.
48. Ranked No. 29 nationally, No. 1 among athletes, and No. 3 in the state of Texas by 247Sports.
49. Ranked the top defensive end and No. 3 overall in the state by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football.
50. Chosen for the cover of the 2021 Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Rising magazine.

Ja'Tavion Sanders: A Rising Star

Ja'Tavion Sanders has made a name for himself in football, from his high school days at Billy Ryan High School to his current role with the Carolina Panthers. His journey is marked by impressive stats, numerous awards, and a relentless work ethic. Sanders' versatility as a tight end, both as a receiver and blocker, sets him apart. His college career at the University of Texas showcased his talent, breaking records and earning All-Big 12 honors. Now in the NFL, Sanders continues to prove his worth. His story is a testament to hard work, dedication, and passion for the game. As he continues to grow and excel, Sanders remains an inspiration for young athletes everywhere. Keep an eye on this rising star; his journey is far from over.