Silverdale Baptist Academy senior football standout Jordan Sanders wanted to be a part of something bigger than himself in college. On Sunday evening, one of the Chattanooga area's top pass-catching prospects came to a conclusion that the Naval Academy was the best fit.
While visiting the campus with his family over the weekend, Sanders committed to the Midshipmen.
"The Naval Academy teaches discipline, leadership and order, all of which will lead me to success," Sanders said. "Going there will help set me up to be the most successful after I hang up the helmet, cleats and shoulder pads and enter the real world with my degree."
The 6-foot-4, 215-pound versatile tight end and wide receiver exceeded 1,000 receiving yards his past two seasons, which included nearly 600 yards and seven touchdowns for the Seahawks in 2019. He was also a member of last year's Times Free Press Dynamite Dozen, the area's top 12 college prospects.
Silverdale football player Jordan Sanders is photographed in the Times Free Press studio for the newspaper's Dynamite Dozen on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2019, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The Dynamite Dozen represent the area's top 12 senior college football prospects.Sanders' father served in the Air Force and spoke to his son about how great that choice was for him and the impact it had on his life.
"Talking to my dad through this decision definitely helped me a lot," Sanders said. "It is not only an honor to be a part of the Navy football program, but also to work toward becoming an officer in the U.S. Navy one day while receiving an outstanding education.
"My high school coach (Al Rogers) always spoke about brotherhood. The U.S. Navy is a brotherhood that won't be broken, and to be a part of it is an honor within itself."
A multisport athlete, Sanders believes he can work into being a deep-threat receiver or add extra weight if needed to become a tight end.
Sanders will join Meigs County all-state dual-threat quarterback Aaron Swafford as part of Navy's 2020 recruiting class.
"All the challenging times and hard practices have paid off," Sanders said. "This is a dream come true. I know I will have to not only become physically stronger on the football field but mentally stronger as well as I enter this very prestigious and rigorous school. I am very thankful to all of those who believed in me and continue to support me."
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @PMacCoon.