Sam Pendleton signs with UT - OL transfer from ND

I think Sanders starts however Umarov will be a backup unless injuries happen. Long time before the season so a lot can happen.
If sanders starts, UT has bigger OL issues that I thought

Sanders is still 18. Very very fww freshman OLINE start on good College teams because their body simply hasn't developed enough yet.
 
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Unless your name is Anthony Munoz, Orlando Pace or Michael Orr- AND EVEN THEN-you shouldn’t be starting any SEC football games as a freshman tackle. Maybe I’m just dense- but that’s not a winning idea….
 
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If sanders starts, UT has bigger OL issues that I thought

Sanders is still 18. Very very fww freshman OLINE start on good College teams because their body simply hasn't developed enough yet.

You also have to keep in mind he has already been through practices, will go through a weight training program before Spring Practice, will go through an entire Spring Practice getting reps every day, then go through another weight training program before fall practice even begins. Not many freshman OL get the same opportunity. Jordan Seaton started every game for Colorado in 2023 and earned freshman all American and they were similarly ranked. So while, no it isn't common, it also isn't unheard of.
 
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If sanders starts, UT has bigger OL issues that I thought

Sanders is still 18. Very very fww freshman OLINE start on good College teams because their body simply hasn't developed enough yet.
This! The fact we are headed into year 5 and we're sitting here talking about starting a true freshman at tackle should be alarming to the fanbase, not exciting! For one, it speaks volumes about the lack of recruiting and development at that position group for the last 4 years. Second, I dont care how talented Sanders is, starting as a true freshman in the SEC is risky. Not just for the team, but for him! The risk of long-term injury is far greater due to lack of physical and mental development. Ideally, linemen shouldn't be starting until at least redshirt sophomore year.
 
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Another alarming item is that UT signed the least number of players from portal in entire SEC.

When you have major deficiencies and still don't use the portal to plug holes adequately, it makes
for problems ahead. LSU signed 16 transfers, UT has 4

We will have to rely on development of players. Hope our OL and WR signees provide adequate depth.
 
You also have to keep in mind he has already been through practices, will go through a weight training program before Spring Practice, will go through an entire Spring Practice getting reps every day, then go through another weight training program before fall practice even begins. Not many freshman OL get the same opportunity. Jordan Seaton started every game for Colorado in 2023 and earned freshman all American and they were similarly ranked. So while, no it isn't common, it also isn't unheard of.
Colorado don't play big boy football UT don't have a good recent history of Olineman being developed either, so let's see what happens
 
This! The fact we are headed into year 5 and we're sitting here talking about starting a true freshman at tackle should be alarming to the fanbase, not exciting! For one, it speaks volumes about the lack of recruiting and development at that position group for the last 4 years. Second, I dont care how talented Sanders is, starting as a true freshman in the SEC is risky. Not just for the team, but for him! The risk of long-term injury is far greater due to lack of physical and mental development. Ideally, linemen shouldn't be starting until at least redshirt sophomore year.
I'll use Ohio State as an example who has a history of putting good lineman on the NFL

In the past 30 years they have start two true freshman at tackle,.Orlando Pace and Parish
Both top five picks in the NFL

Sanders looks to have good specs. Let's see how he does in spring ball, and of hes adding any muscle
 
I'll use Ohio State as an example who has a history of putting good lineman on the NFL

In the past 30 years they have start two true freshman at tackle,.Orlando Pace and Parish
Both top five picks in the NFL

Sanders looks to have good specs. Let's see how he does in spring ball, and of hes adding any muscle
We started Michael Munoz at tackle as a true freshman. He was riddled with injuries his whole career here. Same with Tiny Richardson. Those are two I can think of off the top of my head. There may be more.
 
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