Sands declares for NFL draft

West Virginia safety Robert Sands plans to skip his senior season and enter the NFL draft.

Sands announced his intentions Sunday, saying he wants to pursue his dream.

The 6-foot-5 Sands is projected by some scouting services to be among the top three safeties available in the draft.

The first-team all-Big East selection had 53 tackles in 2010, including 1.5 sacks. He also had a forced fumble and made an interception.

Sands was part of a defense that ranked in the top five in several statistical categories last season.