Sanders Wants to Show Off Complete Game

During his first two seasons in South Bend, CJ Sanders has been known more for his kick return abilities than his receiver skills. The 5-foot-8, 181-pounder has put in the work this offseason to become a better receiver, and he sees the results under new receiver coach Del Alexander and offensive coordinator Chip Long. 

“It’s a lot of creativity,” Sanders said of Long’s offense. “I am more of a complete player. When I am on the outside, when I get a lot of press, I feel like I am more of a complete player. I am working on catching things away from my body. On punt and kick returns, I am making sure I am a complete player. 

“With the RPOs, it gives guys like me, (Chris) Finke, and Miles (Boykin) a chance to make plays.

Alexander has made sure to push the talented receiver group each day, and his goal is to make practice harder than the games. 

“It does help,” stated Sanders. “He’s all about pressure in practice and then just playing in the games. He makes it as hard as possible to get us wired up. When we are out there, it's just second nature.

“It’s a lot of tough situations where it's not just guys kicking it and catching it. It’s a lot of tough scenarios, and you have to really be a complete player.”

Sanders has also put in the time to be a better returner over the past few months. The junior had a few bobbles and misjudged a few balls last fall, but Alexander has been focused on making sure that doesn’t happen in 2017 as Sanders is a big play waiting to happen.

“Before practice, we will be catching on the Juggs machine, and he will hold us back until the last second before we catch it,” explained Sanders. “He will hold us back, and we have to run back and catch it square.” 

The California native realizes the importance of his role in the return game and is looking to continue to give his team momentum in this fall.  

“I like it because I can give the team a hot start,” Sanders said. “I’ve had a couple on the first play of the game. It gives the guys a confidence boost and lets them know I have their back. It’s pretty cool.” 

In the spring, the surprise of the first day of camp was Chase Claypool working in the slot. Sanders wasn’t mad reps were being given away, as he was taking reps outside, but he found it funny as you don’t see a player as tall as Claypool inside very often. 

“It goes to show how versatile our guys are in being able to make plays,” said Sanders. “It was pretty funny at first seeing Chase, who is like 6-foot-5, in the slot trying to get loose and be agile. 

“It just shows what our guys can do.”