OVERVIEW

A physical defender who can cover and hit, Sanders was considered one of the top defenders in the Western Athletic Conference. The Fresno State staff called Sanders the best defensive back to ever wear a Bulldogs uniform. The coaches cite his football intelligence and stellar play for the team's defensive accomplishments in 2004. The Fresno State squad ranked fourth in the nation in passing defense efficiency that season, with a mark of 97.9 and led the conference in total defense, allowing only 331.7 yards per game.

Sanders was the team captain and Most Valuable Player as a senior at Monache (Porterville, Calif.) High School. He set a school record with 106 tackles and six interceptions as a senior and was named to the Fresno Bee All-Star first-team defensive squad. A two-time first-team All-East Yosemite League selection, Sanders had 22 tackles for losses and was named the MVP of the league in his final season. He also played receiver, running back and returned punts and kicks.

Sanders redshirted in 2001 at Fresno State, but made a tremendous impact on the defense the following year. He started 11 games in 2002, recording 82 tackles (36 solos) with three sacks and nine stops for losses from his strong safety position. He also deflected nine passes and intercepted two others. For that performance, he was named to the Football Writers Association's Freshman All-America team.

The only sophomore honored on the 2003 All-Western Athletic Conference team, Sanders proved that selection was justified, as he totaled 93 tackles (55 solos) with two sacks and 8½ stops behind the line of scrimmage. He also intercepted two passes, deflected four others and blocked two kicks.

Sanders was again chosen first-team All-WAC in 2004, spearheading a strong defensive unit as he recorded 63 tackles (29 solos), two sacks and 6½ stops for losses. He recovered and caused two fumbles, blocked a kick, deflected five passes and intercepted three others.

Sanders closed out his career with 238 tackles (120 solos), seven sacks for minus-36 yards and 24 stops for losses of 80 yards in 40 games. He caused and recovered two fumbles, gained 86 yards with a touchdown on seven interceptions, batted away 18 passes and blocked three kicks during his time with the Bulldogs.

ANALYSIS

Positives: Shows good upper body definition, with a thick chest, broad shoulders, good arms, tight waist, good bubble and hamstrings … Plays hard consistently, and has a non-stop motor … Has good balance and body control with quickness and better-than-average speed … Good open field tackler who might not be as athletic as the Rams' Adam Archuleta, but shows the same desire and urgency in getting to the football, especially in backside pursuit … Anticipates and accelerates to the ball with no hesitation … Ball-hawk type with that "go up and get it" attitude to the thrown pass, doing a very good job of timing his leaps … Has a very sharp burst to the ball and stays in control when he gets to it … Has the athletic ability and body control to adjust to the ball … Good open-field tackler who can chase down the plays along the perimeter … Effective wrap-up tackler who is better making plays in the open field or in the backfield rather than at the line of scrimmage … Has the football savvy needed to read, react and cover ground vs. plays in front of him in zone coverage … Has a good feel for the receiver in the zone, getting a quick jump on the ball once he locates it … Flies to the football with good speed … The type of defender who looks natural looking the ball in, extending for it at its high point with hands extended away from the frame … Plays with good functional strength and hits with explosion as a tackler … Has an effective swim move to slip off the blocker's shoulder coming off the edge … Times his hits and when he lowers the boom, the receiver will feel it for several plays … Very good at anticipating the snap count and finding a clear lane to disrupt action in the backfield.

Negatives: … While he has good strength, he does not possess great bulk … Can get stonewalled at the line of scrimmage by the offensive linemen due to size issues … Needs to stay in control, as he sometimes is so intent on attacking the ball, he forgets to wrap, secure and tackle … Susceptible to play action, but has the foot quickness to recover … Has good open field acceleration, but lacks the top-end speed to stay with the speedy receivers on deep routes … Backpedal needs refinement, as he looks slow trying to open his hips and turn in transition … Good in man coverage vs. the tight ends and backs, but his hip stiffness prevents him from turning and mirroring outside the short area … Better working outside the box, as his lack of bulk causes him to get bounced around when trying to work through trash.

INJURY REPORT

No injuries reported.

AGILITY

4.63 in the 40-yard dash … 320-pound bench press … 35½-inch vertical jump.

HIGH SCHOOL

Attended Monache (Porterville, Calif.) High School … Named to the Fresno Bee All-Star first-team defensive squad … Two-time first-team All-East Yosemite League selection … Set a school record with 106 tackles and six interceptions, adding 22 stops for losses during his senior year to earn League MVP honors … Also played receiver, running back and returned punts and kicks … Blocked three punts … Team captain and MVP in 2000.

PERSONAL

Health Science major … Son of Kathy and Keith Thompson … Born Nov. 11, 1983 … Resides in Porterville, Calif.

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