T. J. Sanders

Last updated

T. J. Sanders
No. 98 – Buffalo Bills
Position: Defensive tackle
Personal information
Born: (2003-07-30) July 30, 2003 (age 21)
Marion, South Carolina, U.S.
Height:6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight:297 lb (135 kg)
Career information
High school: Marion (SC)
College: South Carolina (2021–2024)
NFL draft: 2025: 2nd round, 41st pick
Career history
Roster status:Active
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Tanaeri J. Sanders (born July 30, 2003) is an American professional football defensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the South Carolina Gamecocks and was selected by the Bills in the second round of the 2025 NFL draft.

Contents

Early life

Sanders attended Marion High School in Marion, South Carolina. [1] He committed to the University of South Carolina to play college football. [2] [3]

College career

In his first year at South Carolina in 2021, Sanders played in two games and redshirted. [4] As a redshirt freshman in 2022, he played in 12 games and had 16 tackles and one sack. As a redshirt sophomore in 2023, he started seven of 12 games, recording 43 tackles and 4.5 sacks. [5] Sanders returned to South Carolina for his redshirt junior season in 2024.

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
HeightWeightArm lengthHand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump
6 ft 3+78 in
(1.93 m)
297 lb
(135 kg)
33+18 in
(0.84 m)
10+14 in
(0.26 m)
4.99 s1.67 s2.87 s4.67 s7.70 s31.5 in
(0.80 m)
9 ft 4 in
(2.84 m)
All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day [6] [7]

Sanders was selected in the second round with the 41st overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft by the Buffalo Bills. [8]

References

  1. Breiner, Ben (October 29, 2020). "This future Gamecock defender, now more than 300 pounds, shines as senior leader". The State. Retrieved July 21, 2025.
  2. McFadden, Naeem (February 3, 2021). "Marion football star T.J. Sanders signs with USC". SCNow. Retrieved July 21, 2025.
  3. Bezjak, Lou (July 4, 2020). "In-state SpursUp: Marion defensive end commits to Gamecocks for 2021". The State. Retrieved July 21, 2025.
  4. Bezjak, Lou (April 7, 2022). "It's time to buy stock in TJ Sanders, Gamecocks coaches and players say". The State. Retrieved July 21, 2025.
  5. McFadden, Naeem (January 8, 2024). "Marion's T.J. Sanders ready to lead Gamecocks defense after breakout season". SCNow. Retrieved July 21, 2025.
  6. Reuter, Chad; Zierlein, Lance. "T.J. Sanders Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  7. "T.J. Sanders College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  8. Maiorana, Sal (April 26, 2025). "Buffalo Bills pick TJ Sanders in 2025 NFL draft: Scouting the athletic DT". Democrat and Chronicle . Retrieved May 1, 2025.