To say that the road to the burnt orange for 6’-1”, 175 pound four star recruit Kendall Sanders was an uncertain one would be an understatement.

In late February of Sanders’ junior year he committed to play football at Oklahoma State. He attended Texas’ 2011 Spring game, but didn’t receive an offer from the Longhorns. In June of 2011, Sanders made a facebook post about Texas. He posted about how he preferred to play offense at the next level, but would be open to playing whatever was in the schools’ best interest. Following this, he asserted that “I’m good [with OSU], I’m 110 percent”.

Still the question wasn’t whether or not Sanders wanted to play college ball at Texas, it was whether or not Texas would offer him and let him try out at wide receiver.

Things finally changed on November 23rd 2011,when Sanders officially received his offer from the University of Texas. Not surprisingly, it was enough to sway Sanders to decommit from the Cowboys, and commit to the ‘Horns. Sanders made an official visit in December for Texas’ awards banquet, signed his letter of intent to play on February 1st, 2012 and is officially enrolled with the university as of May 29th.

Sanders was a two way star in high school playing cornerback on defense, and on offense playing wide receiver. He was a top 100 player nationally by ESPN and was featured in the Army All American game. Brian Perroni of Rivals.com is a believer and had this to say about the incoming freshman. “Sanders is one of the top overall athletes in the country. He is a big lockdown cornerback but also is dangerous with the ball in his hands. A high school quarterback, he could end up playing wide receiver at the next level. On either side of the ball, he is a game-changing player."

Sanders is a tough kid who is willing to put his team on his back to win games if necessary. In a game against the Bullard Panthers, Sanders sat out the first half because of an illness. When the second half kicked off the score was tied at 14 and Sanders was suited up to take the field.

“He told me he didn’t want to let his teammates down ... He’s the classic high-character role model. It’s rare that a kid’s personality and character matches his athletic ability,” said Athens coach Paul Essary.

Sanders will fit well into the wide receiver position in 2012. He has a 4.40s 40 time, and the hands to catch the ball down the field. He also has the ability to make defenders miss, and could be very valuable to the ‘Horns in screens and on short pass plays.

His impact should be immediate, as Texas is in need for a consistent wide receiver behind Jaxon Shipley. Sanders told ESPNHornsNation when asked his expectation for this season, “I want to become a starter.”

He should have that opportunity this fall, with the struggles of Mike Davis and Marquise Goodwin still pursuing his Olympic dream this summer. With his combination of speed and ability to make guys miss he could be very valuable in the Wildhorn formation, jetsweeps, and as a slot receiver.

Yet Sanders is still incredibly raw at the wide receiver position, and has a lot of room for improvement in his game. He may have more potential on the defensive side of the ball which he played dominantly in high school. Sanders was also a defensive stand out at the All American game with two interceptions.

Regardless of where he plays, Texas has one of the top athletes in the state, if not the country in Kendall Sanders.