Sands declares for NFL draft

Published Jan. 9, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

West Virginia safety Robert Sands plans to skip his senior season and enter the NFL draft.

Sands announced his intentions Sunday, saying he wants to pursue his dream.

The 6-foot-5 Sands is projected by some scouting services to be among the top three safeties available in the draft.

The first-team all-Big East selection had 53 tackles in 2010, including 1.5 sacks. He also had a forced fumble and made an interception.

Sands was part of a defense that ranked in the top five in several statistical categories last season.