After a historic career in just three years at Texas, junior tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders will forgo his senior season and enter the 2024 NFL Draft. During his time at Texas, Sanders caught 99 passes for 1,295 yards and two touchdowns.

First reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Sanders will enter the draft as the No. 2 tight end prospect in Mel Kiper’s rankings. This season, he ranked third overall in receiving yards for tight ends and is projected just behind Georgia’s Brock Bowers in the draft rankings. 

“It’s been a childhood dream to play college football and get to the NFL,” Sanders said in an interview with ESPN. “It’s just a blessing to be where I’m at today.”

The player from Denton had his season high in receiving yards with 114 against Alabama. He had two more 100 yard games in 2023, one against Baylor and one in the Big 12 Championship against Oklahoma State. In the Big 12 Championship, he scored a flea-flicker touchdown to extend Texas’ lead over the Cowboys and secure its first Big 12 title in 14 years. 

Sanders’ 99 catches are the most catches by any Texas tight end and his secure hands make him one of the most sure-handed tight ends in the draft. He also set the record for single season receptions at the position in 2022 with 54 and receiving yards in 2023 with 683. 

“I’m beyond grateful. To even get a chance to play at the University of Texas is just a blessing,” Sanders said to ESPN. “Going out and playing ultimately to get me where I am today, it’s a dream come true and a blessing.”