Illini Football: Underrated Addition at Wide Receiver, Mario Sanders

Can The Former All-American Help Elevate the Illini Offense?

Former NJCAA All-American Mario Sanders II is a guy that I would keep my eye on as a potential breakout candidate on the Illini offense.

Certainly, many fans are excited to see the veteran duo of Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin take the field. In addition, there is high intrigue surrounding young, talented receivers like Malik Elzy, Hank Beatty, and Kenari Wilcher, and what they bring to the future of the Illini offense. However, considering his stats and history, Sanders is a guy that I feel is being slept on entering the 2024 season.

Credit: Britt Kudla: Iowa Central's Mario Sanders reacts after scoring a touchdown inside Dodger Stadium.

What Mario Brings to the Illini Offense

The talented playmaker from Minneapolis brings a highly intriguing skill set to Justin Stepp‘s skilled wide receiver room. An NJCAA All-American at Iowa Central CC, Sanders was a force to reckon with among the JUCO ranks in 2023. The speedy RS-Freshman led the NJCAA in receptions (72), tied for the nation’s leader in touchdowns (12), and ranked third overall in the nation in total receiving yards (942).

Certainly, Mario possesses the ability and talent to make an impact on this roster in 2024. He is a quick, twitchy playmaker, who can make you miss in space, and break off big plays. In addition, Mario uses his quickness to get over the top of defenders and break away for long scores.

Possibilities

According to the staff, he is a versatile player, who can plug in at a number of positions within the unit. Mario is certainly not the tallest receiver at 5’10, but he has a quick twitch and is very athletic. which, paired with his quickness, may make him a better candidate for the slot receiver position. In that scenario, he will have to compete with Hank Beatty and Kenari Wilcher for snaps. Zakhari Franklin can also slide in at the slot position in certain packages, as needed. Of course, such talented competition can be a cause of concern for Mario. However, there are multiple paths to success for the Sophomore.

Based his versatility, Sanders could fill multiple roles, as needed. Not only will injuries almost certainly arise throughout the season, but fatigue is certain. Much like Zakhari Franklin, the talented pass catcher could be plugged in at a number of positions as the need becomes apparent.

With that being said, I think Sanders II is going to make an impact on this roster in 2024. With his abilities to create big plays, and multiple seasons of eligibility left to use, Illini fans may want to get to know this guy.