NFL

Panthers Notebook: Rookie Ja’Tavion Sanders Earns ‘0’; Team Captains Cometh; UK, Scottish Track Star Signs

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Jeff Hawkins
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Jeff Hawkins Sports Editor

Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than three decades in the industry, in both print and digital media. He joined the Sportscasting team in 2021 following a decade of freelancing. He spent his early career as a reporter for various newspapers in Illinois, New York, Florida, North Carolina, and Michigan, with a particular emphasis as a beat reporter for the Chicago Blackhawks. Jeff earned his bachelor's degree in journalism from Oakland University. Over the course of his career he earned several sports writing awards, including two national awards from the Associated Press Sports Editors for column writing and news reporting. One of the five prized columns included a commentary on NASCAR's increasing corporate influences, particularly in northern racetracks — commentary which you might find Jeff building on as part of the Motorsports writing team at Sportscasting now.  

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Published02 Sep 2024

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders announced his intentions early. 

Not long after hearing his name called in the fourth round of the NFL Draft last April, the former Texas standout said he wanted the newly freed up “0” jersey. But the rookie realized he had to earn the special designation. He will become the second player in franchise history to don the number, following Brian Burns who debuted the number last season.  

“I feel like every rookie got to earn their number,” Sanders told reporters last spring. “I knew I wasn’t going to have (the) zero (jersey) coming in, so I’ve already had that mindset knowing what I got to do to come in and put the work in day in, day out to earn that number.” 

When Sanders learned of the number switch from his preseason No. 85, coach Dave Canales said “he was fired up. The message to him was, your work, everything you’ve done every day since you got here, applying yourself, that doesn’t change. Continue to stay on this progression of growing.  

“But I was really glad to get that moment for JT. To just feel like, hey, we’re counting on you.” 

In three preseason appearances, Sanders, 21, caught three passes for 35 yards.  

With Tommy Tremble (hamstring) and Ian Thomas (calf) sidelined, Sanders could play a big role during Sunday’s season opener at the New Orleans Saints. Tremble told reporters last week he expected to dress during the Week 1 NFC South matchup, but has yet to return to practice as a full participant.

Coach Dave Canales To Announce Captains Wednesday 

The Panthers have selected their positional team captains for the upcoming season and will announce the individuals on Wednesday, Canales said.  

The first-year coach said he plans to have four game-day captains, an offensive, defensive and special teams representative. Plus, a “rotational fourth player (will be picked) week-to-week as we see fit,” Canales said. 

For the Panthers, the four game-day leaders will be fewer than they have employed recently, During each of the past four campaigns, the team selected at least six captains. 

Unofficial early betting favorites include Bryce Young (offense), Shaq Thompson (defense) and JJ Jensen (special teams).

Panthers Sign Speedster Praise Olatoke 

With the ability to add a 17th member of the practice squad, the Panthers reached into the International Player Pathway Program and a signed raw wide receiver prospect. 

Praise Olatoke, a native of Nigeria and former United Kingdom track and field competitor signed with the Panthers and participated in Monday’s practice. A former Great Britain national sprinter for Scotland and Great Britain, Olatoke attended the Philadelphia Eagles’ rookie minicamp and received an offseason program look from the Los Angeles Chargers, until his release Aug. 2.  

Calanes reviewed his biggest asset. 

“Speed! Speed,” he said. “So here’s a guy who ran 10.27 in the 100 (meters). He’s got a great frame. Just really looking forward to seeing him out there flying around.”