Boise State commit Eli Sanders, Chandler off to blazing start
CHANDLER, Ariz. (BVM) – Eli Sanders has been nothing short of electric from the moment he joined the Chandler High School football program as a junior. Ineligible to play until midway through the 2019 season due to his transfer from Phoenix Mountain, the 6-foot, 190-pound running back immediately made his presence felt with the Wolves.
In his Chandler debut, Sanders rushed for 184 yards and three touchdowns (he also caught a touchdown) on just 11 carries. He finished the season with 643 yards and 10 touchdowns on 87 carries while the Wolves captured an Open Division state championship, their fourth consecutive state title.
Chandler is now working toward its sixth title in seven years, and the Boise State commit has picked up right where he left off. The speed, dual-threat and big-play ability of Sanders has been on full display through three games of the 2020 season.
Following a 132-yard, one-touchdown performance in the season opener, the senior had a career night in a Oct. 9 win over Pinnacle. Sanders rushed for 213 yards and four touchdowns, including a 95-yard score, on just 12 carries. All in the first half.
The Arizona Cardinals named Sanders their High School Football Player of the Week, a weekly award selected by a panel of sports figures including Cardinals defensive lineman Corey Peters, for his explosive night.
“Big shout-out goes to my offensive lineman,” Sanders said of his career night. “They (offensive linemen) were in the trenches doing all the work and they opened these holes for me that I just burst through. I trusted them, trusted the hole I saw, made one cut and it was off to the races.”
Thanks to Chandler (@chandler_wolves) for the hospitality! 😁 The Wolves win big against the Pinnacle Pioneers – a big reason, their running back (@Elisanders62) who led the way with 4 touchdowns in the first half.#azfamily 🏈⬇️ pic.twitter.com/kDVqKpLeEE
— Tresa Tudrick (@tresatudrick) October 10, 2020
Sanders’ 115 rushing yards and three touchdowns (eight carries) in Friday’s win over Perry pushed his average yards per carry this season to 11, and helped Chandler improve to 3-0.
Ranked No. 5 nationally and No. 1 in Arizona, Chandler is poised to continue its run of dominance. To do that, Sanders said he and his teammates never let a ranking get to their heads.
“We just come to practice everyday with the mindset to get better,” Sanders said. “We stay to ourselves and listen to the game plan. We don’t really listen to the outside noise.”
Sanders was offered by Arizona and Arizona State in the spring, and even picked up an offer from Iowa State just two weeks ago, but committed to Boise State in July. He’ll join teammate Jalen Richmond to make for a Chandler one-two punch in Boise.
Unable to make on-campus visits, Sanders said he took virtual tours and did all of the research necessary to feel confident in his decision. It was ultimately the Broncos’ coaching staff and its view of Sanders as a three-down back that sold the Chandler senior.
“I took my time with them (Boise State coaching staff) and created a bond,” Sanders said. “It just kind of felt like home and the right place for me.
A culture of winning has been built within the Chandler football program and it’s evident in a talent like Sanders who hasn’t even played two full seasons in a Wolves uniform. The focus is on the next play, opponent and challenge.
Because of that, Sanders could very well wrap up this season and his Chandler career without having experienced defeat.
“I just want to be the best player I can for my team, lower my pad level and go win a championship again,” Sanders said.
