Remember the kid who portrayed the young Ray Charles in the autobiographical film, Ray, starring Jamie Foxx? He did an incredible job as “young Ray,” and it’s been many years since we last saw him. He is an adult now and in recent years, he’s pursued a few of his other passions.

Re-introducing CJ Sanders

His name is CJ Sanders, and he’s now 25 years old. He’s a college graduate and former college football star athlete. In   he received his Master’s Degree.

Word on the old school curb is that he was one of the best wide receivers on the college circuit beginning in his freshman year through his entire collegiate career. He played for Notre Dame University, which has one of the most intense football programs on the college level.

According to rival.com,  CJ was considering what college he would attend after his 2014 high school graduation, he was considered a four-star recruit by and he was rated as the 37th best wide receiver prospect of his class. CJ accepted a scholarship to Notre Dame became a key member on the team.

Although CJ loves acting, a passion for football was inevitable because he was surrounded by the sport his entire life. His dad, Christopher Sanders is a former Tennessee Titans wide receiver and he also played for the Houston Oilers and the Tennessee Oilers, Christopher Sanders. His stepfather, Corey Harris, is a former safety who played 12 seasons in the NFL.

Here is a short video of CJ Sanders cuttin’ up on the football field…

CJ also owns a non-profit organization called, CJ’s Gift Foundation. It’s mission is to “promote self-esteem and self-worth among disadvantaged and at risk youth and their parents” and “to purposefully seek-out and reach-out to families who have been forgotten, overlooked and left out of opportunities that produce positive change and inspire hope.”

Determined!

This young man is one determined individual and if it’s one thing we truly love to see, it’s seeing the younger generation shooting for the stars in their own ways. Just like the old school saying goes: ‘Shoot for the stars and even if you fall short, you’ll still land on a cloud.’ We wish CJ Sanders nothing but success along his journey to greatness.

Be sure to follow CJ Sanders on Instagram at www.instagram.com/thelifeofceej/ and Twitter at www.twitter.com/thelifeofceej