UP NEXT: 11:00am CST O-Line/D-Line previews including audio interviews from Gavin Howard, Randall Dent and Tyrone Sellers.
With the transfer of two running backs early in the 2008 season this position became a must for the 2009 recruiting class. Kansas would have playing time to offer as well as the ability to show a balanced spread attack that puts up numbers in the passing game and with the run.
A legacy and a 4 Star commitment answered the call and make up an excellent class at this position for the Jayhawks. Deshaun Sands and Toben Opurum are two names you may want to get used to and I got a chance to talk with both as part of signing day.
More Breakdown, Video and interviews after the jump...
Deshaun Sands
If you've been around Kansas football for awhile the name Tony Sands will mean something to you. 2nd All time leading rusher and 396 wonderful yards in a single game against the hated Missouri Tigers.
Good news, his son Deshaun is already on the Kansas campus. Deshaun a 5'9" 180 pound back out of Florida committed to the Jayhawks very early and has made the effort to arrive on campus early and get a jump start on his future.
A junior season of nearly 1500 yards on the ground drew an offer from Kansas early and Sands jumped on it. His highlight video via rivals.com shows a back with a low powerful running style and with 4.5 40 speed the ability to break the long run.
I got a chance to speak with Deshaun about signing day an the class and while I don't have audio here is the quick recap.
Denver
All right, obviously your already on campus and signing day isn't exactly the whole big to do for you but what does it mean for you to be part of this class? and what are your thoughts on being a Jayhawk?
Deshaun
Well as you know we’re up and coming as a football program and this year we want to win the Big 12 North, so this class is going to be able to add that extra kick in my mind to get us there. We have a lot of talent in this class and being a Jayhawk is everything to me.
Denver
Obviously the RB position is wide open how do you and the coaches see yourself being used in the offense.
Deshaun
Well I see myself being the main back but I don’t know what the coaches are going to do. I’ve just got to go out and prove myself this spring in practice.
Denver
Last question, what are your goals both as individual and for the team in your time at Kansas.
Well my first goal is to get a degree and graduate. On the field I want to get playing time this year and help add to the success of Kansas and be a weapon for the team.
Up next a highlight film of Sands
Sands was one of two Florida recruits making their way to Kansas. Here's to hoping Louis Matsakis and Bill Miller can expand the pipeline.