Published: November 16, 2009 02:03 am      

WVU’s Sands develops into standout safety

MORGANTOWN — Robert Sands has developed into a sparkling free safety in West Virginia’s defensive secondary this year.

The 6-foot-5, 215-pound sophomore from Miami had 37 tackles, including 17 solo stops, in the Mountaineers’ first nine games. He led the team in pass interceptions with three, recovered a fumble and broke up eight passes.

“Yes, I’m having a pretty good season,” Sands readily admitted. “But I didn’t make many plays last year.”

As a freshman, however, he appeared in all 13 games, including eight as a starter.

Head coach Bill Stewart said, “I’m pleased with the way Robert has turned into a very good defensive player. He has worked hard and with his experience he has become better with every game.

“He also has become a real leader in the secondary as he has become more comfortable every week.”

Sands is happy to be at WVU. He has friends from Florida that he played with or against while starting at Carol City High School. Nearly all were recruited by Doc Holiday, WVU’s associate head coach.

“I’m making a lot more big plays now than I did last year,” Sands said. “That’s the name of the game.”

He thinks the Mountaineers could finish strong if they perform better. He thinks their 21-0 start at Syracuse was probably their best overall performance.

“We emphasize not to let one big play get us down and things like that,” he explained. “We need to make sure we stop an opponent on the big plays, which is what we failed to do at South Florida.”

Nate Sowers, senior starting strong safety, said of Sands, “He’s having a great year. He obviously is very good physically, a talented guy, and at 6-5 is doing an outstanding job.”

Sowers has been banged up the past couple of weeks. But he noted that most players are hurting this late in the season.

Sowers also is having a fine year. He has 33 tackles, including 22 solo stops and 11 assisted. He also had four for lost yardage and two pass deflections.