Western Illinois defensive tackle Khalen Saunders flew under the national radar most of his college career. In 2018 during his senior year, he drew more attention as he was named to multiple FCS All-American teams.
Now, Saunders' name is getting a ton of buzz leading up to the Senior Bowl and the NFL Draft.
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Not only is his game tape getting rave reviews.
Just watch 320lbs run around and make plays outside the trenches!! Wooo baby!!
And how bout an arm over move from stand up EDGE for a sack?! Hell yea @khalenNOTkaylen #2019NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/clD9Klvqet
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) January 16, 2019
But video of the 320-pounder went viral when Adam Schefter tweeted this:
Time of year when small school guys get to show they can compete on the big stage. This is 320-pound, Western Illinois DT Khalen Saunders (@khalenNOTkaylen), who is heading to the Senior Bowl next week. Backflips at his size…. pic.twitter.com/s6QjAkA3zO
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 16, 2019
Saunders had a dominant senior season with 72 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.
And when you have an athletic freak at 320 pounds, you might as well throw him a touchdown in the red zone as well.
Hey, @AdamSchefter, Khalen Saunders has ???? too ….#TRADITIONofTOUGH pic.twitter.com/nxHLxqqDaT
— WIU Football (@WIUfootball) January 16, 2019
As NFL scouts dive more into Saunders and his ability, his stock will continue to rise. NFLDraftScout currently lists him as the 13th best defensive tackle prospect.
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