Tennessee football’s offensive line is seemingly an unknown quantity heading into the 2025 season.
It lacks not only starting talent, but is limited with its depth.
Tennessee will likely have to rely on newcomers, like David Sanders Jr. to strengthen the room.
The 5 star freshman out of North Carolina is considered the nation’s best offensive tackle.
“I know he’s going to be a hell of a player,” said Vols’ tackle Lance Heard.
While Tennessee lets competition roll within the offensive line, Heard has taken a special interest in Sanders Jr.
Heard was also a 5 star prospect out of high school, regarded as the No. 2 offensive tackle by On3 and considered the No. 2 overall prep player in the state of Louisiana’s 2023 class.
While Sanders Jr. has said he hasn’t felt pressure from the coaching staff to play as a true freshman, it seems likely that’ll be the reality come Aug. 30 when the Vols take on Syracuse.
Meanwhile, Heard did play as a true freshman when he was an LSU Tiger. His role was mostly as a reserve offensive lineman and with special teams.
Then in his sophomore campaign, and first with Tennessee, Heard earned the starting left tackle job. He allowed just two sacks and three quarterback hits, according to Pro Football Focus.
Now in his junior season, he’s taken on more of a leadership role.
“I do feel like he sees a lot of himself in me,” said Sanders Jr.
Since the offseason, Heard has spent a lot of one-on-one time with Sanders Jr. to improve his grasp of the offense and his fundamentals.
“It’s only right for me to guide him the right way,” said Heard. “You know, to make sure he doesn’t make the same mistakes I made as a freshman.”
“During the summer he would always make me do extra plays, write every single play down, draw every single play, three down, four down, and just forcing me to be great,” said Sanders Jr.
That mentorship even extends into the film room.
“Our relationship is really good, like answering questions for me. He’s always there if I need him, telling me to get extra work, even if I don’t feel like it,” said Sanders Jr.
While Heard spends extra time with Sanders Jr., it’s also allowed him to grow in his understanding of Tennessee’s offense and in his fundamentals.
“It helps me a lot, because it lets me know I can’t slack either,” said Heard. “I know that he’s watching me. And if he sees me doing stuff half assed, then you know that’s what he’s gonna do.”
The additional hours of practice has also deepened their relationship.
“Lance is a big brother to me, a mentor, someone I look up to,” said David Sanders Jr.
Guidance that Sanders Jr. has surely benefited from as Heard offers unique insight into being a 5 star athlete who play right away.
“It’s only right. I’m a junior, he’s a freshman. He was a 5 star, there’s high hopes for him. Just making sure he lives up to the expectations,” said Heard.
“He’s just keeping my head level and letting me know you got to take it and take advantage of every single day,” said Sanders Jr. “You can’t let a day go by that you don’t get better. So, that’s something I took from him.”
With the possibility of the duo lining up together on Saturdays, the bond they’ve built since the spring will be crucial in their success.
“I love Lance, he’s been a great role model for me,” said Sanders Jr.
Sanders Jr. continued, “So, I appreciate him for all the work he’s put in for sure.”
