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Pete Thamel, ESPN
Star Texas tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders told ESPN he is leaving school early to enter the NFL draft.
Sanders is the No. 2 tight end in ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.’s rankings.
“It’s been a childhood dream to play college football and get to the NFL,” Sanders said in a phone interview Saturday. “It’s just a blessing to be where I’m at today.”
Sanders had 45 catches for 682 yards and two touchdowns for Texas this year, ranking No. 3 in receiving yards among tight ends, according to ESPN Stats & Information. The junior didn’t drop a pass in the past 13 games, making him one of the draft’s most sure-handed pass-catchers.
He informed Texas coach Steve Sarkisian of his decision and said he received full support.
“After talking with my family and praying to God about it and thinking long and hard about it, this decision is what’s best for me and my family,” he said. “Coach Sark, he supported me in whatever I do. He wants [me to] be great in whatever I do.”
Sanders said he would like to prove in the pre-draft process that he is the top tight end. He said he expects to work out with Georgia‘s Brock Bowers, considered the top tight end in the draft, and looks forward to the opportunity to compete with him.
He touted his versatility at tight end, as Sanders said he can line up at any receiving spot or with his hand on the ground.
“I’m versatile. I can do it all,” he said.
Sanders said he models his game after Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
“When you look at his game, he slows the game down,” he said. “He understands coverages and fronts. That helps him run the best routes and get open for his quarterback.”
Sanders said he was appreciative of his family and his coaches at Texas, noting his appreciation for Sarkisian and tight ends coach Jeff Banks.
“I’m beyond grateful. To even get a chance to play at the University of Texas is just a blessing,” he said. “Going out and playing ultimately to get me where I am today, it’s a dream come true and a blessing.”