Shilo Sanders does “all the right things,” GM Jason Licht says. The undrafted rookie out of Colorado has stood out not just on the field, but in how he handles the camera and connects with fans: signing autographs, posing for photos, and carrying the same star power Buffs fans saw in Boulder. But with the NFL’s roster deadline looming, the question remains: will all that charisma and hustle be enough to keep him in Tampa Bay?

NFL teams must trim their rosters to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, August 26. While Shilo’s spot remains uncertain on it, Bucs head coach Todd Bowles acknowledged his progress. “He’s getting the scheme down, he’s made plays like everybody else back there,” Bowles said, adding that the remaining preseason games and practices will be key. Still, Sanders faces stiff competition from safeties Kaevon Merriweather, Rashad Wisdom, and J.J. Roberts. He was listed fourth-string on Tampa Bay’s first unofficial depth chart, with Antoine Winfield Jr. and Tykee Smith locked in as projected starters.

Despite the uphill battle, Shilo has his supporters. When the Bucs shared a training camp clip on Instagram, his mother Pilar Sanders proudly commented, “THAT’S MY SONNNNN!!!” Even the Colorado Buffaloes’ official account chimed in with encouragement:

“WE KNOW DATS RIGHT.” That’s what he needed. The Bucs signed him as an undrafted free agent, and he is giving his all to prove that he is here to stay. His proud mother’s support means the world to him. In fact, after a college game last year, Shilo Sanders shook hands with his fans and asked them if they switched up on him. Almost everyone replied no. Pilar supported her son and shared the reel with the caption, “Yep, keep that same energy!”

She also understands the legacy her children carry. And lately, that pride has been squarely aimed at Shilo.

Shilo Sanders: HC Todd Bowles likes what the player brings!

They have to decide the roster by August 26, 4:00 p.m. ET. By then, the franchise will have played all three preseason games. Head coach Todd Bowles isn’t sugarcoating anything. And Shilo Sanders?

Shilo impressed HC Bowles during OTAs and minicamp with his work ethic. “He’s doing a lot of good things. He’s flying around, he’s learning the system. But this is a deep group. We’ve got guys who’ve been in this scheme for years,” Bowles opined. But here’s the thing: Shilo Sanders is fourth on the depth chart.

It will be an uphill battle for him to make it to the final roster. But the good part is that he has recorded several PBUs through his practices, his footwork has improved, and he is also a locker room favorite. So we will have to wait and see how things pan out for the player. For now, Shilo Sanders is giving his all in every training session, and while there is tough competition, he has all the support he needs. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.