CJ Sanna

Physical Profile

Sanna possesses a prototypical inside linebacker frame, standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing a solid 225-230 pounds. This build allows him to be a formidable presence against the run, with the size to take on and shed blocks from offensive linemen. While specific combine numbers aren't publicly available, his film shows good functional athleticism and the ability to close ground effectively. His frame is well-developed for a high school prospect, suggesting he has the durability to withstand the physical demands of playing in the box at a Power Four level.

Play Style

Sanna plays like a classic throwback middle linebacker. He is a downhill thumper who excels between the tackles. On film, he is consistently the aggressor, meeting ball carriers in the hole and rarely giving ground. He's a quarterback hunter on designed blitzes, showing good timing and closing speed. His game is built on a foundation of physicality, strong instincts, and a non-stop motor.

Strengths

• **Instincts & Run Defense:** Displays a strong, natural feel for diagnosing running plays. He reads his keys quickly, trusts what he sees, and attacks downhill, consistently fitting the correct gaps. His 97 tackles as a junior is a testament to his sideline-to-sideline range and reliability as a tackler.
• **Pass Rush Ability:** Shows a knack for getting after the quarterback from the linebacker spot, evidenced by his 7 sacks and 11 tackles for loss in 2024. He demonstrates a good first step when blitzing and the strength to overpower running backs in pass protection.
• **Physicality & Motor:** Sanna is an aggressive, high-effort player who seeks out contact. He arrives at the ball carrier with intent and plays through the whistle. This physicality and relentless motor make him a disruptive force and a tone-setter for the defense.

Areas to Improve

• **Pass Coverage Technique:** While a capable blitzer, he appears less experienced in pass coverage. He will need to refine his technique in zone drops, improve his hip fluidity to cover more ground, and develop a better feel for reading route combinations.
• **Experience:** According to some analyses, he is relatively new to the linebacker position, which suggests there's still a significant ceiling for growth as he gains more experience and coaching. Continued refinement of his fundamentals and technique will be crucial for his development at the collegiate level.

College Projection

As an early signee at a program like Ohio State, Sanna projects as a multi-year contributor with the potential to develop into a starter. Given the depth typically found at Ohio State, a redshirt year to further hone his skills, particularly in pass coverage, is likely. He has the tools to be a core special teams player early in his career before challenging for a starting role at MIKE or WILL linebacker by his second or third year.

NFL Outlook

Given his 4-star rating and commitment to a premier developmental program, Sanna has a clear path to the NFL. His size, run-stopping ability, and pass-rushing upside fit the mold of a modern NFL inside linebacker. Continued development of his coverage skills will be the determining factor in his ultimate draft ceiling, but he possesses the foundational traits to be a mid-round NFL Draft pick with the potential to rise higher.

Best Fit

Sanna is an ideal fit for a defensive scheme that utilizes a traditional 4-3 alignment, allowing him to operate as a physical MIKE linebacker. His strengths are maximized in a system that allows him to play downhill, attack the line of scrimmage, and be a factor as a blitzer. A program with a strong strength and conditioning program and a history of developing linebackers, like Ohio State where he has signed, is a perfect environment for him to reach his full potential.