Interview: 12-Offer 4-Star 2023 Tennessee OL Brycen Sanders Updates College Camps and Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Interior Tennessee defensive linemen let out a collective sigh of relief with the news Baylor School right guard Brycen Sanders was making the move to left tackle for the 2021 season. Sanders (6-6, 280) roughed up opposing defenses in the Red Raiders’ pro-style set last season earning four-star recruiting status for his efforts. College programs have responded in kind to Sanders’ talents with 12 offers dropped spanning the SEC, ACC, Pac-12 and beyond.
After a busy college camp circuit filled with post-camp visits, the Chattanooga area product made his first visit to the RNG Clubhouse for a detailed look at his offseason thus far.
Interview
Brycen, you were getting after it in the trenches during the 2020 campaign. When you closed out your sophomore season, what did you feel were the strengths to your game at right guard?
At right guard, my two biggest strengths were pulling, there’ a lot of that on my highlights, pulling and kicking out getting to the linebacker, and my aggressiveness in the trenches. I never stopped, even a little bit after the whistle, which you are not supposed to do that but that is who I am.
When the 2021 season kicks off, will we see you at right guard?
I’ll be at left tackle.
Are you excited about taking on a new challenge at left tackle?
Yes, I definitely am.
Entering into the offseason, what have you been working on with your pass-pro?
The pass blocking part was the weakest to my game. Going to left tackle, I am getting quicker against speed rushers and getting better with my hands. They want to swat at your hands and come back inside; I’ve been working on that a lot.
What have you been working on with your run blocking?
My pulling is the best part, so I am not working on that as much. I am continuing working to the second level, getting to the linebackers that try to avoid you, and getting your hands on them and breaking down.
Which lifts and/or exercises have you been doing to bring more power and agility to your skillset?
Our strength coach is super great. He is an Olympic coach, an Olympic lifter. We are doing cleans, box squats, jumps, and one-legged workouts. I have been working on getting my lower body stronger. I have also been doing speed work getting my 40 time down to a 5.06.
Impressive.
Thank you.
What are some of your maxes in the weight room?
My bench is 315, my squat is 430, and my power clean is 290.
Also, impressive.
Thank you.
What style of offense will the team execute this fall?
Our offense is a pro-style with some RPOs (run-pass option). We use a one back set with two to three receivers, and one tight end. We run a lot of zone play-action.
This offseason, have you taken your skills to any camps?
Yes, I went to the Rivals camp like a month or two ago in Atlanta.
How did the Rivals camp go?
I won all my one on ones going against great people. I went against (5-Star 2023 DL) Peter Woods (Thompson, AL); he’s the No. 2 or 3 player in the country. I proved myself there.
Nice. Did you get to compete at any college camps?
I started off with visits and camps to Vanderbilt, Georgia, Tennessee, Clemson, Alabama, Kentucky, then Ohio State, and Auburn.
You’ve been really busy. How did the Georgia camp/visit go for you?
Coach (Matt) Luke (OL) was impressed with how I moved and with my quickness.
What were you able to showcase at the Ohio State camp?
They were impressed with my abilities. I talked to their offensive staff; they were impressed with how I moved and how good I was.
Which schools are now showing interest but haven’t offered yet?
Michigan, Florida State, Indiana, Baylor, Alabama, Clemson, and Ohio State.
How many offers do you have?
I have 12 offers.
Which programs were the last couple to offer you?
Stanford was my latest. I got three in two days, Auburn, Georgia Tech, and Louisville.
Sanders’ Offer Sheet: Auburn, Eastern Kentucky, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Louisville, Miami-Ohio, Ole Miss, Stanford, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, and Virginia Tech
Are there any upcoming visits you may take this summer or once the season gets going?
I am definitely going to games this far, but not too far away during the season. I will go to a lot of these SEC schools this fall.
Brycen, thank you for your time today. Wishing you great success preparing for your season at left tackle this summer.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: Sanders family; Brycen Sanders