2013 QB one to keep an eye on

For quarterback Cord Sandberg, his sophomore season at Bradenton (Fla.) Manatee has been quite the learning experience. In his first year with varsity, the 6-foot-2, 190-pound pound quarterback has led the Hurricanes to an undefeated regular season and has them entering the state playoffs amongst the top teams in the state.

"Coming into the year I just didn't really know what to expect," Sandberg said. "I just wanted to be able to help my team win games and get into the playoffs. Getting to the playoffs was the biggest thing for us during the regular season and I am glad we are there."

Towards the end of the regular season, one of Sandberg's best offensive weapons - four-star running back Mike Blakely - was sidelined due to an ankle injury. With the Florida commit on the sideline, the sophomore signal-caller saw an increased role and performed very well both throwing the ball and running it.

"Mike has been a great back for us so when he went down I knew I would probably get some of the calls," Sandberg said. "I don't usually do a whole bunch of running but I kind of had to step up with Mike being out. Whatever the coaches ask, that is what I try to do. If they want me running the ball then that is what I am going to try to do."

With a strong sophomore campaign coming to a conclusion, Sandberg said that a few schools have begun to check on him but his recruitment has yet to see much activity.

"Some questionnaires here and there," Sandberg said. "I visited Auburn and Clemson during the summer and talked to some of their coaches."

His visits over the summer to college campuses were eye-opening experiences for Sandberg. He hopes to do it again this summer but doesn't know who he will be traveling to see.

"Those were great experiences," Sandberg said. "It was great going into the locker room, seeing their weight rooms, and meeting the coaches. It is really cool talking with the coaches after seeing them on TV, it puts things in perspective. It was good getting to know them. I also liked seeing the campuses and the overall college towns."

With two more years of high school football ahead of him, Sandberg isn't in a rush for his recruitment to become a priority.

"Not really right now," Sandberg said. "I am just keeping my options open and trying to help my high school team win state."

During his sophomore season, Sandberg is 158-for-211 for 2,142 yards with a 17-3 touchdown to interception ratio. On the ground, he carried the ball 116 times for 467 yards and nine touchdowns and even added a 32-yard touchdown reception.