TJ Anderson: Aurora Christian’s Lineman with a Need for Speed

TJ Anderson is difficult to ignore at Aurora Christian. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 310 pounds, the senior lineman is a formidable presence. His physical prowess is clear, marked by his program record of a 560-pound squat achieved as a junior. Despite his size, Anderson is focused on his speed, a quality he believes will open doors for his future.

“I’m always working on my speed,” Anderson said. “My main focus is my feet. I’ve been slow, so I lost 30 pounds last offseason to get faster. I concentrated on footwork drills and such.” Improving his pass blocking was a priority during offseason training at the Realize Athletics facility in Sycamore, where ladder drills were key.

Aurora Christian coach David Beebe acknowledged Anderson’s progress. “He started as a sophomore on offense,” Beebe noted. “For the past two years, he’s also played defensive tackle. He’s big and strong. People overlook how good his pass protection is now. He has light feet and excels at down-blocking.”

This season, Anderson is part of a solid veteran line. His teammates include returning seniors such as 5-foot-8, 260-pound left guard Logan Mahon, 6-foot-2, 240-pound left tackle Jason Haymon, and 5-foot-8, 195-pound junior center Justin Douglas. Joining them is newcomer David Carrero, a 6-foot-1, 225-pound senior right guard. This group has successfully paved the way for junior running back Jalen Callaway, who averages 8.3 yards per carry. Callaway amassed 1,193 yards and 18 touchdowns, leading the Eagles (8-1, 5-1) to tie for first in the Chicagoland Christian Conference.

Anderson finds joy in the team’s success. “It’s exciting to know the ball is coming our way,” he said. “Watching Jalen get into the gap and run far is fun.” Although Bishop McNamara claimed the conference title through head-to-head results, Aurora Christian looks forward to its ninth consecutive playoff under Beebe. The Eagles are the third seed in the Class 3A bracket, with an opening-round bye. Their next opponent will be the winner of the matchup between Elmwood-Brimfield (4-5) and Winnebago (5-4).

Aurora Christian’s TJ Anderson (72) and Jake Eissens (74) prepare for St. Edward’s offense in the third quarter of a game on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon-News)

“Having a week off is a huge difference,” Beebe explained. “Preparing for two unknown teams is challenging, but our next game is sudden death.” Meanwhile, Anderson’s efforts off the field have paid off in recruitment. After a game-day visit to Eastern Illinois, he received his second Division I scholarship offer, adding to one from Valparaiso.

Aurora Christian’s TJ Anderson (72) surpasses St. Edward’s Zach Sauceda (8) in the second quarter of a game on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon-News)

Anderson reflected on his journey in football. He began with flag football through third grade in Batavia, moving onto tackle football after his family relocated to Sycamore. Playing alongside future Aurora Christian teammate Asa Johnson, Anderson advanced from JV to varsity as a sophomore, facing more experienced opponents.

“I was always big for my age,” Anderson recalled. Initially timid, he grew more confident and physically stronger over time. “He was top-heavy as a sophomore,” Beebe said. “Each year, he gets stronger and more confident.”

Senior lineman TJ Anderson, with Division I offers from Eastern Illinois and Valparaiso, is photographed with his senior poster before practice at Aurora Christian on Monday, Oct. 19, 2026. (Rick Armstrong / The Beacon-News)