Georgia Tech wide receiver Adonicas Sanders is happy for the others at his position group to get playing time. But he wants his time, too.
When Kalani Norris’ playing time increased while his dropped, Sanders responded in a way that pleased offensive coordinator Dave Patenaude.
“I don’t think he liked (splitting time),” Patenaude said. “So the conversation we had was, ‘Then, ball out. And if you’re better than the next guy, you’re going to play, and if you’re not, then you won’t.’”
Sanders has indeed balled out. Through Tech’s first four games, Sanders had five catches for 29 yards. In the past four, Sanders has caught 15 passes for 264 yards and three touchdowns. Most memorably, he hauled in passes of 37 and 36 yards from quarterback Jeff Sims, the latter a touchdown, in the Jackets’ last-minute game-winning drive against Duke.
He followed that with six catches for 79 yards against Virginia and then four catches for 64 yards and a touchdown against Virginia Tech. His performance against the Hokies didn’t include a 53-yard catch-and-run pass play that was negated because of a pass-interference penalty against Kyric McGowan. The starter again in Tech’s past two games, Sanders is playing with confidence and fight.
When Norris was in front of him, Sanders said, “I just said, ‘It’s my time coming. Just be ready to make the best of my opportunity.’”
Sanders is an effective downfield blocker and has good hands. He isn’t the fastest on the team, but has improved his route running and, once he catches the ball, he doesn’t go down easily. Sanders credited strength coach Lewis Caralla for developing his lower-body power.
“That helps me break a lot of tackles, and I don’t like getting tackled in one-on-one coverage,” Sanders said. “Every time I make a catch and break a tackle, I always say, ‘Thank you, coach Lew.’”
His productivity has indeed led to increased playing time. Sanders played 19 offensive snaps against North Carolina in the fourth game of the season, according to Pro Football Focus. He had 31 against Pittsburgh and 35 against Duke before the snap count jumped to 56 (Virginia) and 49 (Virginia Tech).
“His work ethic to get himself to that point has been amazing,” Patenaude said. “I’m super happy about his development and what he’s bringing to the team.”
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