TJ Anderson’s Journey: A Lineman’s Drive for Speed

TJ Anderson is hard to miss at Aurora Christian. Standing at 6-feet-4-inches and weighing 310 pounds, this senior lineman is impressive. He set a program record with a 560-pound squat. Yet, this third-year starter at right tackle is focused on speed. He believes it can lead to his aspirations.

“I’m always working on my speed,” Anderson shared. “My main concern has always been my feet. I lost 30 pounds last offseason to get faster. I did a lot of footwork drills.” His offseason training at Sycamore’s Realize Athletics highlighted ladder drills for better pass blocking.

“He started as a sophomore playing just on offense,” Aurora Christian coach David Beebe noted. “In the last two years, he’s also played defensive tackle. He’s big, strong, and his pass protection has improved.

This season, Anderson joined senior teammates: 5-8, 260-pound Logan Mahon (left guard), 6-2, 240-pound Jason Haymon (left tackle), and junior Justin Douglas, 5-8, 195-pound (center). Newcomer David Carrero, 6-1, 225-pound senior (right guard), rounds out the group. They’ve paved the way for running back Jalen Callaway, who averages 8.3 yards per carry, achieving 1,193 yards and 18 touchdowns, tying with Bishop McNamara for the Chicagoland Christian Conference first place.

“It’s exciting knowing the ball is coming our way a lot,” Anderson said. “It’s fun watching Jalen get into the gap and then go far.” Although the Irish took the conference title head-to-head, Aurora Christian is focused on their ninth playoff appearance under Beebe. They’re seeded third in the Class 3A top half, receiving an opening-round bye. Next, they face either Elmwood-Brimfield or Winnebago following their match.

Aurora Christian’s TJ Anderson (72) and teammate Jake Eissens (74) look over St. Edward’s offense on Sept. 12, 2025.

Coach Beebe appreciates the bye before a sudden-death game, preparing for both potential opponents. Meanwhile, Anderson’s recruitment grows. Recently, he visited Eastern Illinois and received his second Division I offer, partnering with Valparaiso.

TJ Anderson outruns St. Edward’s Zach Sauceda in their game on Sept. 12, 2025.

“It’s been a dream,” Anderson reflected. His football journey began with flag football in Batavia through third grade, shifting to tackle football in Sycamore the next year. He played alongside Asa Johnson at Aurora Christian. Johnson, now a Northern Illinois freshman QB, influenced Anderson’s early position shifts.

“I was always big for my age and played up,” Anderson said. The move from JV to varsity during his sophomore year was challenging with older, larger players. He recalls being “kind of timid.” Now, confidence and experience have changed him. “He was top-heavy as a sophomore,” Coach Beebe acknowledged, “but gains leg strength yearly, enhancing his play. Confidence and experience go with that.”

Senior TJ Anderson, with Division I offers from Eastern Illinois and Valparaiso, before practice on Oct. 19, 2026.