Virginia safety Jonas Sanker posted an ACC-leading 107 tackles among all defensive backs last season. Sanker was everywhere for the Cavaliers' defense, impacting the game in a multitude of ways. An even better showcase looms large for the Charlottesville native in 2024.
Sanker recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his breakout 2023 season, maximizing his opportunity at Virginia, playing multiple roles in the secondary, and so much more.
JM: You absolutely exploded last season to record a team-high 107 tackles. It was the most tackles by any defensive back in the ACC. What changes led to the breakout season for you?
Jonas Sanker: I was able to keep my body healthy and available. That came first and foremost. I also put in a lot of work and preparation throughout the offseason. The coaching staff put me in great positions, great situations on the field to make plays for our defense. I took care of business by making the plays that came to me.
JM: You also had 11 pass breakups and three forced fumbles. Talk to me about your ability to get your hands on the football.
Jonas Sanker: I trusted my speed and my talent to shut down those throwing lanes. I was also versatile enough to play both man and zone coverage. I made plays in both coverage schemes. I get out of my breaks quickly. That speaks back to my preparation and the work we put in during the offseason.
I play with violence. Forcing fumbles is all about mentality and how you finish on the ball.
JM: If there's an area for improvement, it's converting more of those PBUs into interceptions. Is that a focus point for you this season?
Jonas Sanker: For sure, it definitely is. I’m trying to do a better job creating turnovers this season. Those interceptions are going to start coming in bunches for me when they finally arrive. That’s going to allow me to make an even bigger impact.
JM: A safety has to wear multiple hats. What’s your favorite aspect of playing the position?
Jonas Sanker: My favorite aspect is being the leader of the defense. We have to carry that umbrella if you will. We’re also tasked with seeing things from a distance. It’s my responsibility to get us in the right call and make sure everybody else is lined up and ready to do their job.
I feel like that responsibility is bigger than anything, and it’s one I really appreciate being entrusted with.
JM: Our film study indicates you enjoy playing in the box, closer to the line of scrimmage. Is that where you're most comfortable? Almost every safety prefers one or the other.
Jonas Sanker: I really like both. I definitely love playing in the box and being able to get physical, but I also like being a post defender, that middle third safety you will. I like attacking the ball and showing off my speed in the open field.
JM: You’re a local product from Charlottesville, VA. I could tell that representing this great Cavaliers program means so much to you.
Jonas Sanker: Having grown up there, it makes playing at home that much more special. The best part of that is being close to my family. I can go home and spend time with them whenever I want.
I’m still watching my younger siblings grow up. That’s probably been the biggest blessing. I was thankful to stay close to home.
JM: We love that for you. What’s the best game you’ve played in a Virginia jersey to date and why?
Jonas Sanker: That’s a tough question. I feel like the Duke game from last year, I played pretty well in that one. I was able to impact that game in a pretty major way and I did a great job bringing energy to the team. I feel like I made the biggest impact in that game of any on our schedule from last season.
That’s a tough question, though. There were a few games I felt that way about. It’s tough to choose, but the Duke game stands out. I impacted different games in different ways.
JM: We’ve appreciated your time today. This has been outstanding. What are your goals for this season?
Jonas Sanker: I want to be the best safety in the country. That’s my goal going into the season. I want to be a day-one guy, a safety that NFL teams don’t hesitate to take off the board.
