"Relentless Heat off the Edge: The Firestorm That Never Quits"

David Sanders

@DavidSan8512

IG: @David_Sandrs

6'1, 215lbs, Class of 2026

Saint Mary's Catholic HS, AZ

David is a dynamic mix of speed, strength, and intelligence; he brings a rare firepower to the line of scrimmage. Explosive off the snap, crafty with his reads, and relentless in pursuit, David is the heartbeat of a defense. What separates him is not just the physical gifts but his nonstop motor. He studies every detail, chatter in the huddle, hand placement of the offensive line, and the QB’s eyes. He dissects plays before they happen and punishes mistakes with fierce authority. Coaches can expect a player who gives every ounce of himself on every rep, whether it’s crashing through gaps, setting the edge, or leading his brothers with grit and fire.

This past season, David earned All-Conference Honorable Mention while finishing in the top five in both tackles and QB hurries from the defensive line. In just seven games, he had 42 tackles, averaging 6.0 stops per game, proving himself as a disruptive force every time he took the field. His biggest improvement came in trusting his preparation, building on his power, and becoming a more complete defender. The offseason only elevated his game further, with his speed and power growing from endless work in the gym and on the field. Fueled by the sting of missing the playoffs by a single game, David enters this season with one goal: redemption. For him, failure only adds fuel, and now he’s hungrier than ever to bring his team all the way back.

What makes David unique is the foundation he’s built since the age of seven, growing under the guidance of his father and sharpening his mind with the wisdom of NFL veterans like O’Brien Schofield, Phil Bates, Ryan Torain, Robert Nelson Jr., Chris Horn, Will Davis, and Paul Fanaika. That extra knowledge and relentless work ethic shape him into more than a defender and a student of the game, with leadership that raises those around him. His passion is to win with his brothers, to attack every rep with maximum effort, and to rise to the next level where he belongs. With offers already rolling in, visits to Oregon, Arizona, and Arizona State under his belt, and a fresh offer from Lake Forest College, David has his sights locked on the P4 stage. For him, it’s not if but when.

David embraces adversity as fuel, knowing football is never about “me” but about “us.” Every loss, every grind, every long night is about preparing for the next chance to dominate as a team. Coaches see in him a leader who combines discipline, spirit, and unmatched heart. His mindset is to win every rep, never settle, and chase greatness with everything he has. The best advice he ever received is, “Be the leader you’d want for yourself”. That's the core of who he is, both as a player and a man.

I assess that David’s fierce explosiveness, football IQ, and nonstop motor make him a defender any college program can plug in and trust from day one. His versatility as a DE/LB hybrid gives coaches the ability to move him around, while his attention to detail and leadership elevate teammates and raise the overall defense. He doesn’t just fill gaps but erases plays before they develop. Programs looking for an immediate difference-maker who combines raw strength with advanced knowledge of the game will find that in Sanders.

Moving forward, expect David to continue elevating his game with each season. His hunger to erase last year’s heartbreak will only push him to new levels, while his combination of speed, strength, and discipline projects him as a high-level P4 competitor. His potential is sky-high, not just on the path to college football, but preparing to thrive there. With relentless drive and proven production, David Sanders is a name that college programs will know and remember.