Mavin Saunders ready for new chapter moving to Kansas

Mavin Saunders is looking forward to starting his career at Kansas after transferring from Florida State. Saunders was described as a good blocking tight with above average athletic ability.

After spending four years at Florida State and a coaching change going on in December Saunders took an official visit to Lawrence.

“I know it is an up and coming program and that’s why I wanted to visit,” Saunders said. “When I had a chance to meet coach Beaty and all of the other coaches I could tell it was a family atmosphere. They care about more things than football. The most important thing was the family atmosphere. They showed me the blueprint on how they would use me and helping the team.”

At 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds Saunders definitely passes the eyeball test. Although he earned praise in his time at Florida State as a blocker he believes he can do several things from the tight end position.

“The (KU) coaches said they liked my athleticism and how I can cause some mismatch problems,” Saunders said. “They liked my ability to make plays on offense and help protect the quarterback and all of the things that a tight end is supposed to do. I just want to do whatever it takes to win games.”

When Saunders visited in mid-December many of the students left for the holiday break and there wasn’t a basketball game that weekend. Saunders said he wouldn’t miss many chances to watch the Jayhawks.

Coming out of Kinkaid High he was also a standout on the hardwood and picked up basketball offers from Oklahoma and UConn.

“When I came in for the visit everybody was off campus for Christmas break,” he said. “I’m looking forward to going to all of the basketball games.”

Saunders is enrolled and on campus giving him a chance to learn the offense in spring football. After playing at Florida State for four years, and playing in 30 games, he is ready for a new chapter in his life.

“What’s gone on at Florida State a lot of people needed a new fresh start,” he said. “I’m blessed to be able to graduate and have that extra year. I’m fortunate to be able to play in an up and coming program and help this team and grow and hopefully share my wisdom with the young guys and also learn from them. I’m looking forward to it.”