2020 Arkansas OL Jaxson Sanders Talks Top 10 U.S. Army Selection and Recruiting

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

A true Bulldog in the trenches emerged during the 2018 season on the White Hall High School gridiron, Class of 2020 offensive lineman Jaxson Sanders. Sanders took to Class 5A Arkansas defenders like he was on a mission moving the pile downfield knocking down the will and pancaking the hopes of all who stood in his way playing right tackle. The 6-2, 285-pound, steamroller put his skills to the test at the U.S. Army All-American Combine showing out against some of the best in the nation walking away being ranked in the Top 10. As one may guess, college football recruiting attention has quickly followed.

In an RNG exclusive, I sat down with one of the rising talents in the Natural State covering his play on the field, offseason grind, and growing recruiting prospects.

Interview

Jaxson, you have that nasty streak in you when you block that offensive line coaches love. How did you develop that mentality or what is your motivation on each snap that gets you to that spot?

“It comes naturally. Football is in my blood. There are no fans on the field. I try to impress everyone, coaches and fans, when they come watch the game.”

The Bulldogs are fairly balanced on offense between the pass and the run. What type of offensive scheme do you guys execute?

“We run the Spread.”

How did your game develop at right tackle last season as a run blocker?

“It was easy for me. I picked up on a lot of good things last season. I down blocked a lot, I like it. The teams we play, some of them were in a 3-4 and some were in a 4-3. I got in my stance lower to get physical with the linemen regardless of their alignment. Some were quick off the ball, so I had to be quick to open up the hole.”

What about your pass protection, how did that improve?

“I had to get my feet quicker. In 5A Central, there are a lot of speed rushers. I had to get my punch stronger and faster so the end did not strike me before I struck him. My lateral movement showed improvement. I made sure no one coming on my side to get to quarterback. The main thing that helps me in my pass-pro are my feet and long arms.”

What are some of the other things you feel you do well overall as an offensive lineman?

“I feel like my pass blocking is a strength for me, my down blocking, and my aggressiveness as you mentioned. My football IQ is a strength and I communicate well with my teammates. I tell my guard and the rest of the offensive line what to do, who to block – I call out the blocks.”

What are you working on this offseason?

“I am still working on my footwork, hand placement, and overall strength.”

Are you working with an offensive line coach?

“Yes, sir. I am working with Coach Dave Dyson.”

Where are you seeing improvements already in your blocking?

“I am seeing improvements with my hands. Now I know, after watching my film from last season, when I was shooting my hands I was going outside. I know now to aim at the chest. I am learning some new pass block moves with my hands – shooting one and then the other.”

Do you have any camps and/or combines coming up you may attend?

“Yes, sir. I plan to go to Oklahoma, Texas, LSU, Mississippi State and to the Nike Opening Regional (Dallas) and to an Adidas Three-Stripe Camp.”

I saw you attended the U.S. Army All-American Camp, how did that go?

“I finished in the Top 10 for offensive linemen. I liked it. It was a good experience going against top defensive ends and tackles from around the country. I learned a lot from it.”

What were some of the things you feel you showcased at the camp?

“My quick lateral movement, firing off the ball, my punching, and getting my hands on them before they got their hands on me.”

Going into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

“I am receiving interest from Louisiana Tech, Yale, North Carolina Central, Central Arkansas, Memphis, Arkansas Tech, Colorado State, and TCU.”

Nice. Have you received an offer yet?

“Yes, sir. I have an offer from UAPB (Arkansas-Pine Bluff).”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“Yes, sir. I visited Louisiana Tech on Saturday.”

How did the Louisiana Tech visit go?

“It went well. I loved it down there. It felt like home. I talked to a lot of the coaches down there. They are interested. I am waiting and hoping they pull the trigger on an offer.”

Do you have any other planned visits coming up?

“Yes, sir. I am going to UCA (Central Arkansas) in April, TCU and maybe Arkansas.”

Done with recruiting. Do you play any other varsity sports for White Hall?

“Yes, sir. I throw the shot.”

What is your best distance?

“My best distance is 36.5.”

Last question. When you are not crushing defenders or throwing weights around in your workouts, what do you do away from football for fun?

“I hang out with my friends and play Fortnight.”

Jaxson, it was great talking to you today learning more about you and your game. I appreciate your time and wish you success on your upcoming trips.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Sanders family; No. 59 Jaxson Sanders