Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel was optimistic that freshman offensive tackle David Sanders would make his collegiate debut against ETSU after missing the season-opening win over Syracuse a week ago. But Sanders did not play and did not dress out in the Vols’ 72-17 romp of the Bucs Saturday afternoon at Neyland Stadium.
“Dave, anticipated him being ready,” Heupel said following the win. “Ultimately, medical decided for him, for us, it probably wasn’t the best move to play him today.”
The Vols rolled with the same offensive line from a week ago, starting Jesse Perry at right tackle, Wendell Moe Jr. at right guard, Sam Pendleton at center, Andrej Karic at left guard and Lance Heard at left tackle. Perry, who will start at right guard when Sanders returns, continued to perform well at tackle.
With Tennessee quickly taking control of the game, the Vols shuffled in a number of backups at right tackle including Brian Grant. Former blue-chip recruit Bennett Warren played extensive snaps at left tackle.
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While Sanders injury doesn’t seem to be a major long term concern, it is worrisome with Tennessee opening SEC play against Georgia next week. The Bulldogs have a vaunted defensive line again this season and would produce a stiff first test for Sanders, especially due to his practice limitations in recent weeks.
If Sanders is healthy enough to play next week against Georgia, it will be interesting to see how Tennessee handles his usage. The Vols could start the same offensive line they have the last two weeks and rotate Sanders into the game.
Sanders was the crown jewel of Tennessee’s 2025 recruiting class as the Vols outlasted Ohio State to land the blue-chip offensive tackle. Starting at offensive tackle as a true freshman is an incredibly tough task but Sanders had set himself up for success, adding 40 pounds to his thin frame over the offseason.
Kickoff between Tennessee and Georgia is at 3:30 p.m. ET next week at Neyland Stadium. ABC is broadcasting the rivalry matchup.
