Sanders also said sharing the stage with the likes of Josh Malone, Todd Kelly Jr. and others during the ceremony continues to push him to not only be one of the state's best, but one of the nation's best players as well.
"It motivates me and it sets the standard, especially with Derek being at my high school and seeing him and his success and seeing it first-hand, it motivates me to be a better player in every area," Sanders offered.
"I just got back from Stanford for a game and that was my first visit there," Sanders said. "I went for the game when they played Notre Dame and it was great. It was nice and it's a beautiful campus and they're building a legacy there."
Sanders visited Tennessee during the fall and believes a return trip will happen soon. "I'll be up there soon, I'm not sure when, but I'll be up there," Sanders offered.
Sanders took note of the Tennessee coaches at the Mr. Football Awards and said he appreciated the support from the home state school. "It means a lot, for them to show their support behind the guys, it means a lot," Sanders added.