Banderas having a big season
Class of 2013 linebacker Josh Banderas is ready to lead his Lincoln Southwest team into the Nebraska state playoffs, which start this weekend. The 6-2, 215-pound Banderas has already put together an impressive season thus far, and is looking to improve upon that in the coming weeks.
Through nine games, Banderas has totaled 99 tackles, four sacks and two interceptions from his linebacker position. His team is 8-1 on the season, with their only loss coming in week one to Lincoln Southeast.
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"If we win out and they win out, we would meet them in the semifinals," Banderas said. "That's a big crosstown rival, so we're kind of rooting for them to win."
Banderas has also seen his recruitment pick up over the course of the fall, and has seen several schools take interest in recent weeks.
"It's just picking up," Banderas said. "I'm hearing from Kansas a little bit, and Nebraska. They are showing the most interest. Oklahoma has had some looks and Houston a little bit. It hasn't taken off yet, but I think it will pretty soon."
With his football schedule taking precedent, Banderas has only been able to make college game visits to the local school.
"I've gone on three or four unofficials to Nebraska," Banderas said. "Coach [Ross] Els talked to me and Coach [Bo]Pelini talked to me. Pretty much they said keep up the good work and they were liking what they were seeing. They are looking forward to seeing me at the camp this summer."
Growing up in Lincoln, Banderas is a big fan of the Cornhuskers and is excited about the interest they have shown thus far in the process.
"I'm corn-fed all the way, but as I have gotten older and more serious into recruiting other schools have really come up and I'm showing interest in them," he said. "Nebraska's not the only school I would ever think about going to."
Banderas still waits on his first scholarship offer, but he plans to augment his junior film by attending several off-season camps and combines.