Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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university and the football program. The visit, though, is what made his and his parents' decision even easier. "I went up there on a Friday and stayed in South Bend until Sunday," Sanders said. "After my visit, I just re- alized it was the place for me. Just be- ing with the coaching staff and with the players on the team, I just realized that was my future home. There's no better place for me to be. "My parents think it's the perfect place for me, too. They are really excited for me and just want me to be happy wherever I decide to go. Even though I'll be in South Bend and they're in Cali- fornia, they will probably make it to all my games, so that'll be good. They're real happy." As a child, Sanders played a young Ray Charles in the movie, "Ray." Al- though he played football as a young- FILM ANALYSIS Strengths C.J. Sanders has major speed — he's a legit 4.4- 4.5 player in the 40-yard dash … Not only is he fast, but he's quick and elusive … He has that sec- ond gear that turns a short play into a big one … His change of direction is impressive, and he has the wiggle to make people miss in the open field … He's a tough, strong, physical player that prides himself on being a good blocker on the outside … Goes up and attacks the ball at its highest point … Notched a 37-inch vertical leap this spring. Areas For Improvement He's thin and will need to add weight … He plays physical and reckless, but will need to con- tain that in college to avoid an injury due to his current stature … He's a tweener, lacking ideal size, which may have kept some schools from offering … Could be excellent in the slot, while some believe he's better fit to play running back. — Tom Loy