South Charlotte Today

CHARLOTTE—The Carolina Panthers' seven-man rookie draft class has experienced a whirlwind over the past month. Since NFL draft weekend, rookies have moved to Charlotte, gone through rookie minicamp and OTAs, mandatory minicamp, and have now returned to the Queen City for training camp.

As the rookie draft class works through their first offseason, each will take time to reflect on their journey to this point and their time in the league thus far. Three rookies took us along through OTAs and mandatory minicamp, and now the rest of the class will take us along through training camp.

Next up is tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders. The Texas Longhorns alum and Texas native was drafted by the Panthers in the 4th round (No. 101 overall).

"Draft night was a surreal experience, just knowing that all the hard work I've put into this game since I started playing, it's finally paid off. That was my dream, to become an athlete in the NFL, where the best of the best play at and now I'm here. I'm thankful every day I get to play the game I love so much."

"Family, friends, my closest homeboy since we were little kids were all there. So it was just a great thing. I got to say my brothers (went the most nuts), my brothers have been childhood friends because they've been with me since day one. We done played football in high school together and then even little kid football. They done see me grow and develop as a man and as a football player as well. I think they might have been more excited than I was."

"I talked to (Texas and now Panthers teammate Jonathan Brooks) the same day. Me and him go way back; we came into college together. As soon as I see Jonathan Brooks, I called; I was like, 'Man, hey, it's your time.' Then when I found out we were going to the same team he called me. So it was just even a better experience."

Following the draft, rookies arrived in Charlotte over the next few days. From late nights studying their new playbook to early mornings learning about playing in the NFL logistics; Sanders and his fellow rookies received much information quickly.

"Arriving for rookie minicamp was definitely exciting," Sanders said."I kind of felt like I was one step ahead just coming from Sark's offense (Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian). He was an OC in Atlanta Falcons' NFL team before his style of offense is similar ours so it wasn't too much harder—it’s more about details: details on routes or certain plays really matter."

Dave Canales has stated that he wants multiple tight ends involved within his offensive scheme while placing significant responsibility upon them.

"We put a lot on those guys' plates," Canales said following Back Together Saturday."I would say quarterback definitely has most responsibility but tight ends probably right behind due connection run-game/pass-game/protection responsibilities—we ask them do lot." It’s something which room feels ready tackle according Sanders who notes how real everything becomes during training camp.

"When you look at tight ends we're starting become QB's best friend—the pass game for one then having do everything else: run-game/pass-blocking/protection—you need great group," he explained."We’ve got exceptional guys like Ian Thomas/Jordan Matthews/Stephen Sullivan/Tommy who've plenty experience—they've been doing this awhile—I can't wait see how fun season turns out."

Sanders emphasized importance honing details especially once pads come on during fall camp compared OTA base installations noting fun first padded practice had brought moments eye-opening realization including signing bonus hitting bank account providing life-changing experiences beyond initial big hits/practice tunnel runs:

"Honestly probably when that signing bonus hit—I had bit NIL money from college but nothing compared signing bonus money got," he shared with teammate Eku Leota interjecting guessing smart investment spending strategy:

"I actually think he invested wisely."

"I do have financial advisor—some definitely invested—but bought second car—a 2023 Durango Hellcat meant pre-draft delayed dealership issues resolved funds allowed purchase shortly after receiving bonus making dream cars reality owning both Charger SUV combination always wanted—can't be more thankful."

Transitioning from collegiate environment often involves adjusting fewer shared bonding experiences typically associated living/attending classes together replaced organizational efforts fostering camaraderie via activities such visiting Hendrick Motorsports/Charlotte Motor Speedway alongside regular meetings aiming build chemistry translating onto field performance:

"The NASCAR experience—that crazy steep curve heart-dropping moment realizing tracks steeper expected added unique perspective but overall chemistry starts building translates field—it no different college still family/brothers united selfless pursuit collective success beginning within organization extending onto playing field.”