Herbert took advice from former KU RB Tony Sands

The running back spot has been a key need of the recruiting class. There has been talk the Jayhawks may target two running backs but for now one name has emerged as their top candidate in Khalil Herbert.

Herbert played for American Heritage, one of the top programs in Florida. He helped them to a 10-3 record while sharing running duties with Kyshaun Bryan. Bryan is ranked one of the top 10 running backs in the country for 2017.

Last year Herbert turned in one his best games against IMG Academy rushing for close to 100 yards against the nation’s top high school program. It was games like that caught Reggie Mitchell’s attention at Kansas.

Mitchell made the trip to Florida to meet Herbert and shortly after offered him a scholarship.

“I know he has coached a lot of running backs that went on to the NFL,” Herbert said of Mitchell. “I know they want to get their program better and stabilized. I think coach Beaty can do that.”

One reason the Jayhawks knew about Herbert was former running back Tony Sands, who is second on the all-time rushing charts at Kansas. Sands trains Herbert where he has consistently turned in laser times in the 4.4 range.

“He told me he loved it there,” Herbert said of Sands. “He said he wanted to go away and he was able to make his stamp on a program. I want to be able to do the same thing.”

Herbert leaves Florida this morning and will start his official visit to Kansas this afternoon.

“I’m looking for a school with a good relationship with coaches,” he said. “I’m good at reading people and I want to get a good vibe on my visit. I like what the Kansas coaches are doing.”