Trey Sanders enters his third year at the University of Alabama in the fall.
Despite arriving as a five-star in the 2019 signing class, he has encountered some setbacks. Sanders missed all of the 2019 season with a foot injury and missed seven games last year. The 6-foot, 214-pounder was in a car accident and it left him with various injuries, including a hip injury that required surgery. Before the incident occurred, the product of IMG Academy was starting to create success as a running back. He recorded 80 yards rushing on 12 carries for the Crimson Tide versus Mississippi State.
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Sanders had a couple of big runs, especially a long run of 25 yards. Alabama earned a 41-0 win over the Bulldogs, and fans felt like Sanders was trending in the right direction. Since the accident, he has been working with Alabama’s coaching staff in trying to return for next season. He wants to prove that he’s healthy, but Sanders also knows the importance of year three for athletes.
NFL scouts, teams, talent evaluators, and draft pundits will look at him now.
Sanders must also fend off five other players — Jase McClellan, Roydell Williams, Keilan Robinson, Kyle Edwards, and Camar Wheaton — for an opportunity to produce strong numbers. Bill O’Brien (offensive coordinator) and Robert Gillespie (running backs’ coach) have had a lot of success with running backs. If he can stay healthy, Sanders has a chance to carve out a desirable draft stock. People were excited about him when he chose the Tide, but the question is will he thrive under pressure?
On Monday, yours truly of Touchdown Alabama Magazine singled-out Sanders as the back under the most pressure via In My Own Words.
Hopefully, he will avoid the injury bug and turn in a marquee performance.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith
