KU Football Signee To Compete In Dream 100 At Kansas Relays

April 20, 2011

Kansas Athletics

LAWRENCE, Kan. – When Kansas head football coach Turner Gill was hired he emphasized the need for speed on his football team. Among his 2011 signees is speedster Adonis Saunders. Kansas fans will have an opportunity to witness his running ability as Saunders competes in the Dream 100 as part of the Kansas Relays this weekend.

Saunders, who is projected as a defensive back for the Jayhawks this fall, is not only an all-state football player, but an all-state track standout at Olathe North High School. Last year he won the high school boys’ 100 meters at the Kansas Relays and this year will have an opportunity to advance to New York with a win Saturday.

The 100 meters is one of just three national qualifying events in the country as part of the adidas Golden Strips Tour. Other qualifying meets include the Meet of Champions, held in Azusa, Calif. March 26 and the Golden South Classic in Orlando, Fla. May 28.

The winners of the races, who meet qualifying times, will receive invitations to compete in the prestigious adidas Grand Prix in New York City June 11.

As a sophomore Saunders won state titles in the 100, 200 and 4×100 relay en route to being named the Kansas Gatorade Track Athlete of the Year.

On the football field, Saunders was all-state by the Wichita Eagle and Topeka Capital Journal this season. He rushed for more than 2,000 yards in his career, including 1,554 as a senior. Last year he recorded 70 tackles and three interceptions on defense.

Saunders will face some of the region’s fastest runners in the event, which will take place this weekend. Preliminary races are Friday at approximately 11:50 a.m., with the finals slated for Saturday at approximately 2:05 p.m.

For more information log on to KansasRelays.com.