CJ Sanna

Physical Profile

Sanna possesses a prototypical inside linebacker build, listed at a well-proportioned 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds. This size is college-ready and gives him the frame to add mass and strength in a collegiate program without sacrificing athleticism. He is a powerful, downhill player who demonstrates impressive short-area burst when triggering on the run. While not an elite sideline-to-sideline track star, his functional athleticism is more than adequate for the middle linebacker position, allowing him to effectively fill gaps and pursue plays between the hashes.

Play Style

On film, Sanna is a classic, throwback middle linebacker who sets the tone with his physicality. He is most effective in the box, where he uses his size and instincts to be a major disruptive force in the run game. He is an aggressive, high-motor player who consistently hustles to the football and finishes plays with authority. His game is built on power and a relentless downhill mentality, making him the anchor of the defense.

Strengths

• **Downhill Thumper & Tackling:** Sanna excels playing north-south, showing a quick trigger to diagnose run plays and attack the line of scrimmage. He consistently demonstrates the ability to play through blocks and is a punishing tackler who finishes with intent, as evidenced by his 97 tackles and 11 TFLs as a junior.
• **Instincts & Football IQ:** He displays a strong feel for the position, taking efficient angles to the football and demonstrating an ability to navigate traffic in the box. His film shows him consistently putting himself in a position to make plays, suggesting a high football IQ and good preparation.
• **Frame & Power:** His 6-foot-3, 225-pound frame provides a significant advantage in taking on and shedding blockers. He plays with heavy hands and a physical demeanor that allows him to control engagements and maintain leverage at the point of attack.

Areas to Improve

• **Pass Coverage Fluidity:** While a dominant run-stopper, Sanna can appear stiff in his backpedal and change-of-direction when tasked with coverage responsibilities. Improving his hip fluidity and lateral agility will be crucial for matching up with athletic tight ends and running backs in the passing game at the Big Ten level.
• **Top-End Pursuit Speed:** While his initial burst is excellent, his long speed for chasing down plays to the perimeter can be average. Continued development in a college strength and conditioning program to enhance his top-end gear will round out his game and increase his sideline-to-sideline range.

College Projection

Sanna projects as a multi-year starter at the Power Four level, likely at middle linebacker. Given his college-ready size and run-stopping prowess, he could see the field early on special teams and in goal-line or short-yardage packages. A redshirt year is possible to refine his pass coverage skills, but he possesses the physical tools and mentality to develop into a reliable, high-volume tackler and a defensive leader by his second or third year on campus.

NFL Outlook

Given his 4-star composite rating (0.9123) and commitment to a high-level program like Ohio State, Sanna possesses clear NFL potential. His ideal projection is a powerful, run-stuffing inside linebacker who can be a two-down force and a core special teams contributor. To maximize his draft stock, he will need to demonstrate significant improvement in pass coverage throughout his college career. If he develops into a capable three-down player, he has the potential to be a mid-round NFL Draft selection.

Best Fit

Sanna's skills are maximized in a defensive scheme that allows its middle linebacker to play aggressively downhill and attack the line of scrimmage. A 4-3 defensive scheme where he can operate as the 'MIKE' and be insulated by athletic 'WILL' and 'SAM' linebackers would be an ideal fit, allowing him to focus on his strengths as a primary run defender and blitzer. His commitment to Ohio State, known for producing high-level linebackers, fits this profile perfectly.