Banderas shows out in San Antonio
Lincoln (Neb.) Southwest linebacker Josh Banderas is coming off an impressive junior campaign in 2011, but the 6-2, 215-pound prospect is still flying under the radar of most college programs.
Last week he traveled to San Antonio for the U.S. Army Junior Combine in an effort to raise his stock, and his performance earned first team all-combine accolades.
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"I think it was a good experience because there were a ton of the best guys out there," Banderas said. "It gave me the confidence to know I could cover those running backs and I could play with those linebackers - the best of the best."
Banderas' father played tight end at Nebraska and Coach Bo Pelini's staff is already aware of the local prospect, but drumming up interest from schools outside the state has been difficult.
"I haven't really heard too much outside of Nebraska," Banderas said. "I've heard from Tulsa a little bit, but other than that not much and I think that's because I didn't play my sophomore season. Hopefully after the combine it will pick up."
Growing up in the shadow of Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Banderas obviously has a fondness for Nebraska's program.
"That's a huge interest," he said. "Obviously when you live in Nebraska it is every boy's dream to [play] for the Cornhuskers. I've talked to the coaches there and they seem to like me.
"I still would like seeing what is out there and I'm not having tunnel vision. We plan to hit four or five [junior days] but none are on the schedule yet."
Banderas lost his sophomore season to hip and wrist injuries, but he returned as a junior to post 125 tackles, three interceptions, 10 tackles for loss and four sacks for Lincoln Southwest.