Wolverine Recruiting Report: Q&A with 4-star cornerback Jayden Sanders

The Michigan football program has one cornerback commit in the class of 2025, and he is one of the newest additions to the group.

Kilgore (Texas) four-star Jayden Sanders announced his verbal commitment on August 10, choosing the Wolverines over 18 other reported offers, including fellow finalists Baylor and Oklahoma State.

Because he’s ranked as the No. 316 overall prospect and No. 30 cornerback nationally by the 247Sports Composite, he doesn’t have a particularly high-profile offer list, but he’s one of the fastest risers in the class. Michigan tendered him in early June and hosted him on campus for an unofficial visit that month. Sanders returned for the Big House barbecue on July 27, where Michigan made another strong impression.

Listed at 6-foot-1 and 172 pounds, Sanders is a two-way starter (cornerback, receiver) for Kilgore, which is off to a 3-1 start in 2024. Here’s a Q&A with the Wolverines’ defensive back expectation:

What was it about Michigan and first-year defensive coach LaMar Morgan that stood out above the rest of your candidates?

“The development of corners and also the business school. When I trained with Coach Morgan, it was just comfortable and I felt like I could learn a lot from him while playing for him.

The Wolverines have one of the best cornerbacks in the country in Will Johnson, a projected first-round draft pick in 2025. How much of an impact did he have on your recruitment?

“Will’s success has played a small part as it shows the corner position is well coached. Even before him, there were great corners developed from Michigan.

Your father, Nick Sanders, was an all-conference defensive back when he played at TCU and is now on Kilgore’s staff. What role has he played in your development?

“Because my dad is a former college player and my coach, it plays a big role. He teaches and shows me things that he has experienced and has experienced, so I use him to my advantage as much as possible.”

You also play basketball and track. How do you think these sports will benefit you on the football field?

“I feel like playing the different sports you mentioned play a big role, like sticking to my stance on defense in basketball or being in shape for court. In these other sports you learn different skills that can really help you on the field.”

What made you decide to get involved when you did?

“I committed when I did because my whole family was in town and all my teammates were together, so I felt like there wouldn’t be a better time to commit.”

(Highlights embedded with permission from Hudl)

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