Nick SandsOlathe South
Position: Running Back
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 180lbs.
Class: Senior
Stat to Note
Olathe South's spread offense restricted Sands' rushing totals as a junior, but his biggest game of the season came against SM East when he scored touchdowns in three different ways. A three yard run in the first quarter, and 82 yard kickoff return in the second quarter, and a 57 yard reception in the fourth quarter.
Scouting Report
While Sands isn't exactly a household name among returning Sunflower League running backs, he may be on track for a breakout season in 2010. Olathe South has been making the transition to more of a run based offense during the offseason, to better utilize the depth and talent the Falcons have returning on the offensive line.
What's more, Olathe South head coach Jeff Gourley was quoted by the Olathe News' Tod Palmer as saying "I’m going to boldly predict that he [Sands] rushes for 2,000 yards next year [2010]." The statement was very bold, especially considering the fact that Sands only received honorable mention honors last season for his efforts as a running back. On top of that, only four Sunflower League running backs have rushed for over 2,000 yards in the past 10 seasons (Sproles, Mack, Bouknight, and Franklin, all Simone Award winners).
But, confidence is huge in high school football, especially when it's coming from the head coach. Sands will get his fair share of carries, and running behind arguably the league's top returning offensive line will certainly help.
