University of South Dakota Athletics

John Sanders, a native of Chicago, IL, will be regarded as one of the best cornerbacks to pay football at South Dakota. Sanders who played from 1969-73, was an important figure in USD's 1972 north Central Conference championship team that finished 6-1, and 9-1 overall. The nine wins equaled the school record for wins. In 1972, USD was ranked No. 4 by United Press International and No. 6 by the Associated Press. It was USD's first NCC title since 1951. Sanders was a stellar cornerback who owns USD's interception record (15) which he established during 1970-72. A two-time all-North Central Conference selection (1971, 1972), Sanders had seven pass interceptions for 94 yards in 1971. He finished his career with 144 yards in interception returns and had one touchdown. Sanders, who hold's USD's record for the longest punt return (84 yards), had a successful NFL career with the New England Patriots (1974-76) and Philadelphia Eagles (1977-79). In 1978, he finished second in the National Football Conference with six interceptions as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.