Left tackle Justin Sands is the epitome of the strong, silent type. He is the lone returning starter on a line blessed with athleticism, but short on experience. Sands began his Jayhawk career with a bang, notching eight total tackles, one pass interception and one blocked field goal in the 1999 season opener against Notre Dame, earning him the coaches award for play of the game. He finished the year with 15 total tackles and one quarterback sack. The total three-time Jayhawk Scholar then made the successful transition to the offensive line for his sophomore year, where he started four games at left guard and provided valuable support in a back-up role at tackle.

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Sands took over the full-time left tackle position in 2001, and was one of only two offensive linemen to start every game. Jayhawk coaches credit him with being a significant factor in KU's improved rushing game.