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LB, 6'3, 220, 4.5, 315 bp
Birmingham, AL
High School: Shades Valley
HS Number: 89
AL Number: 52
Official Visits: Alabama
Second Choice: Ole Miss
Host During Alabama Visit: Tito Smith
Committed: November 11, 1997
Academic Status: Not Qualified
Stats
Honors
- All-Area
- All-State
- All Metro
Stories
"Did You Lose Your Bonnet, Baby?"
Theo Sanders broke through the right side of Pelham’s offensive line. Tyler Watts was dead in his sights. Watts tried to make a move. But it was too late. Sanders made a jarring hit, so jarring that it knocked off Watts’ helmet.
"His helmet was rolling downfield," Sanders says. "He was shocked. He just laid there for a second. I turned to our sideline and everyone was going crazy."
That play reminded Sanders of a one in the movie "The Program."
"This linebacker hit a guy so hard that it knocked off his helmet. After he made the tackle, he told the guy, ‘What’s the matter? Did you lose your bonnet, baby?’ I thought about saying that after I made my play, but it’s not my style to talk trash. I let my helmet and shoulder pads do the talking."
Sanders led a Shades Valley defense that held Watts to his lowest passing total of the season. Watts finished the game with just 84 yards passing, and Shades Valley won the game 24-21.
"My game plan was to go after him," Sanders says. "I was fired up to be playing against someone who had so much publicity."
Sanders won the battle that night, but now he’s ready to team up with Watts.
"Tyler’s a great player. I have a lot of respect for him and look forward to playing with him."
The "Bandit"
Theo Sanders grew up an Alabama fan. But his two favorite players are former Florida State defensive ends Reinard Wilson and Peter Boulware.
"They’re who I pattern my game after," Sanders says. "I like to use my speed coming off the corner."
Sanders was primarily a defensive end in high school. He says that he’ll be a "Bandit" at Alabama.
"It’s kind of a combination of a defensive end and outside linebacker. I’ll rush the passer on some plays. And sometimes I’ll drop into coverage."
One of Alabama’s most glaring problems last season was the lack of speed at linebacker. Sanders, 6’3, 220, has been timed at 10.9 in the 100 meters, and he consistently runs under 4.6 in the 40.
"Coach [Ellis] Johnson saw me play and said that I’m just what Alabama needs," Sanders says. "He wants people who can get to the quarterback and cover running backs."
He Can Fly!
He sprints. He throws. And he jumps. No, he’s not playing Superman. He’s just doing something he enjoys -- track.
"I get tired of getting hit on," Sanders says. "Sometimes I want to just go out and run. In track, I’m not worried about getting hit. I just run. I love it."
Sanders does the 100 and 200 meters, the 4x100 relay, the shot put, and the long jump.
Last year he ran a 10.9 100 meters and a 22.4 200 meters. His best long jump is 21’11. That’s impressive for a 6’3, 220 pound linebacker!
Theo Speaks Out
On big plays:
"If a big play needs to be made, I’ll make it."
On celebrating:
"If I make a big play, I celebrate with the fellas."
On motivation:
"You can’t ever take off a play. It may be the play that cost you the game."
On becoming an Alabama fan:
"The national championship game against Miami. That’s what did it for me."
On playing for Alabama:
"Ever since I could understand the game of football I’ve wanted to be a part of the Alabama program."
Q&A
TI: You were kind of a sleeper type of prospect. Did you expect to be offered a scholarship by Alabama?
TS: Alabama seemed to be very interested in me all season. Coach Swinney recruited pretty hard, so I wasn’t surprised. I was excited though.
TI: Tell us about yourself as a player.
TS: I’m mainly speed and quickness. But I have the strength to get rid of offensive tackles and tight ends. I can get leverage on blockers because of my quickness.
TI: You say that you’ll be a defensive end and outside linebacker at Alabama. There have been rumors that you might play tight end.
TS: I don’t see that. I like catching the ball, but I don’t care too much for blocking.
TI: Do you think you’ll play next season?
TI: Well, they’re not talking redshirt to me. So I guess that I’ll have a good chance to play. I’m working to be in the great shape and have the right mindset to play.
TI: What are your long term goals at Alabama?
TS: A national championship and a degree in math or sports medicine.
TI: You say a national championship. Obviously you believe that Alabama will bounce back from last season’s 4-7 record.
TS: If everybody will leave Coach DuBose alone, we’ll win a championship in a couple of years. It seems like everyone blames the bad season on him. They think he doesn’t know football. Coach DuBose knows what he’s doing. He just needs some time. He’ll produce a good team.
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