When it comes to responsibility, Kansas University offensive tackle Justin Sands prefers to put it all on himself.

“The guys put me in a leadership role, so it’s my job to step up,” Sands said. “The offensive line is the one that has to lead the team. We can make or break the game, and we all know that.”

Talk about pressure.

Sands, a senior, comes into the 2002 season with high praise from his coaches and fellow linemen. He started all 11 games last season and this year will be called upon to provide leadership and toughness to a virtually untested offensive line.

“Everybody looks up to him,” sophomore lineman Tony Coker said. “He’s been here for a while, he knows the ropes and he’s a very talented offensive lineman.”

Sands (6-foot-7, 305 pounds) is the lone returning starter on a line blessed with athleticism, but short on experience.

KU had hoped to have starter Kyle Grady back this season, but the senior guard was unable to overcome a nagging knee injury and has joined the coaching staff as a student assistant.

Returning letterman Greg Nicks (6-3, 300) can play center or guard and is listed No. 1 at center on the depth chart released Wednesday. Red-shirt freshman Justin Henry (6-4, 260), a converted tight end, also is expected to play center

Coker (6-5, 300), a transfer from Hutchinson Community College, is expected to fill the right tackle position vacated by NFL draft pick Justin Hartwig. Seniors Tony Damiani (6-3, 280) and John Harvey (6-4, 295) are the projected starters at left and right guard respectively on a line hoping to bolster an offense that averaged just 16.5 points per game a year ago.

“We made some good gains with some of those big guys up front this summer,” KU coach Mark Mangino said. “We need to develop that physical mentality of being tough and physical. I think we’re making strides in that area.”

Mangino, offensive coordinator Nick Quartaro and offensive line coach Ken Conatser have worked diligently with the line.

“They’ve got the heart,” Conatser said. “They’ve got the strength. It’s on my shoulders to get the technique that will allow them to play together.”

Sands said that Mangino’s disciplined approach should be beneficial for the line. With the unpredictable Mario Kinsey no longer taking snaps for KU, the offensive line will have a better idea of what to expect each play.

“I think coach Mangino is the kind of guy that expects his quarterbacks to listen to him,” Sands said. “They’ll probably sit back in the pocket more, and that’ll be nice. We just have to adapt to whatever the quarterbacks do.”

KU’s coaching staff expects Sands and the offensive line to be ready when the Jayhawks travel to Iowa State for the Aug. 31 opener. And who better to lead the often-overlooked position than a quiet, lead-by-example workhouse like Sands?

“He has developed more leadership skills,” Quartaro said. “We really trust him. As a quarterback coach, you like to know that Justin Sands is your left tackle.”