As a standout running back for the Jayhawks from 1988-1991, Sands amassed 3,788 yards on 778 and 28 touchdowns in his Jayhawk career, which all stood as school records upon his departure. Sands may be most known for his final game of his KU career, where he set the FBS record for rushing attempts with 58 and rushing yards with 396 in a 53-29 victory over Missouri in 1991.

Sands still owns the KU records in both of those categories, while he ranks second in school history in career rushing yards and attempts, while he owns the most 100-yard rushing games in school history with 17.