Ole Miss commit Brycen Sanders talks about winning a state title, looks ahead to playing for the Rebels
“Life is a book that never ends. Chapters close, but not the book itself. The end of one physical incarnation is like the end of a chapter, on some level setting up the beginning of another.” — Marianne Williamson
OXFORD, Miss. — Just over a week ago, Brycen Sanders, one of the Rebels’ top ’23 commits, was closing the chapter to his high school career. How would the final scenes play out? Could he and his Baylor School team bring the glory of a state title back to Chattanooga?
The Rebel Walk visited with the star lineman recently about his state title and his future as an Ole Miss Rebel.
State Champion
Brycen Sanders was ready to have the game of his life in his final high school performance.
Under the lights at Finley Stadium, his opponent, Montgomery Bell Academy (MBA), wasn’t going to go easily into the night, especially when the Division II-AAA title was on the line. Sanders’ team was up against his future Ole Miss teammate Marcel Reed who was leading the way at QB for the Big Red.
In the first half, it was all Reed and MBA rocking and rolling and putting 28 points on the board while holding Baylor to just one score.
However, the Red Raiders would rally and edge out the Big Red, 38-34, to win just the second title in Baylor School program history — the first one since 1973.
You couldn’t script a better ending for Sanders and his teammates. We recently caught up with him as he reflected on the moments he will remember most.
“It meant a lot not only for me but for my school. It’s been 50 years since Baylor won a state championship so to break that drought meant a lot.”
Brycen Sanders on ending his high school career with a state title
4 years of hard work and ended on top, thank you Baylor! 💍 pic.twitter.com/7vzk0ExOqs
— Brycen Sanders (@BrycenSanders1) December 2, 2022
“I’ll remember that moment forever. Holding the trophy with my teammates and celebrating with the fans is a a moment I’ll never forget.”
Sanders on the memories he will carry with him
Baylor senior OL @BrycenSanders1 – an Ole Miss commit @Lane_Kiffin – after helping his team rush for 265 yards, including a pair of first downs on the final possession that allowed them to run out the clock on a 38-34 state title win #bestofpreps pic.twitter.com/Xz7Ds2jyYN
— Stephen Hargis (@StephenHargis) December 2, 2022
As one chapter of his football career has come to a close, Sanders now looks ahead to his next role — that of an Ole Miss Rebel.
With Early Signing Day quickly approaching, Ole Miss coaches are racking up the miles to re-affirm their commitments to the current 2023 recruits — and Sanders is no exception as head coach Lane Kiffin and former offensive line coach Jake Thornton recently visited with Sanders.
“The visit was really good. It was fun to catch up and talk with them,” Sanders said about his in-home visit from the Rebel coaches.
Appreciate @Lane_Kiffin @CoachThornton61 stopping by this morning! Ready to get started in January #hottytoddy #runleft pic.twitter.com/Nqk7pNFFkA
— Brycen Sanders (@BrycenSanders1) December 3, 2022
Not just a player, but also a recruiter
Like they say, games are won in the trenches and the same could be said about winning on the recruiting trail with the amount of work put in by the coaches and recruiting staff.
But Sanders, himself, has been a phenomenal recruiter for the Rebels. From the beginning of his commitment, the Ole Miss legacy has been using his platform to bring recognition as he lauds the ‘SIP as the destination place for current and future prospects.
Throughout the fall, Sanders dedicated himself not only to his high school — but also to his future college. He didn’t just pitch Ole Miss to folks on social media; he was also at games in Oxford, sharing his story with other potential recruits.
Can’t wait to play here for the next 4 years! Ready to go to work in January pic.twitter.com/A2w8wcDfmR
— Brycen Sanders (@BrycenSanders1) November 13, 2022
That type of testimony can be one of the most powerful weapons on the recruiting trail.
NIL collective booming, new facility coming in the spring, and the best town in the nation. LFG ‼️ @Lane_Kiffin pic.twitter.com/xQ9auLZlXI
— Brycen Sanders (@BrycenSanders1) November 26, 2022
At the end of the day, future prospects and their families can relate to hearing from someone else who is walking in their shoes — like Brycen Sanders.
“The reason I love Ole Miss so much is the love that not only the coaches and players show me, but the community and the fans show me as well. Oxford is an amazing town with amazing people and they’re passionate about Ole Miss football as are Rebel fans from all over the country.”
Sanders on what makes Ole Miss so special
Forward Rebels! #ComeToTheSip
Lee Ann Herring-Olvedo
Lee Ann is the Director of Recruiting for The Rebel Walk. She is a veteran SEC sports journalist and NFL content writer. She is also the Sr. Editor for MESPORTS digital. Herring-Olvedo is a Brown University graduate who loves good cigars, good games, and a smooth glass of bourbon — not necessarily in that order.
