Tom Banderas Season 1987

Honors & Awards

• All-Big Eight Conference Second Team (AP, UPI 1987)
• Big Eight Offensive Player-of-the-Week (Week 8 @ Missouri, 1987)
• Academic All-Big Eight (1987)

1987 (Senior)
Banderas was an All-Big Eight tight end who played a key role in Nebraska's success during the 1987 season. A reliable red-zone target, Banderas recorded 8 receptions for 86 yards and led Nebraska with 6 receiving touchdowns. His contributions helped the Cornhuskers to a 10–2 record, earn a berth in the Fiesta Bowl against Florida State, and power an offense that averaged 489.0 yards per game, second in the nation. 

1986 (Junior)
Banderas overcame injuries to make a significant impact for Nebraska during the season. Despite missing five games with a pulled hamstring and knee strain, he returned late in the season and quickly established himself as a key contributor in the passing game. Banderas finished the season with 6 receptions for 70 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a two touchdown performance against Kansas in a 70-0 win. Bandera led Nebraska in receiving in two games and capped the season with one of his best performances in the Sugar Bowl, catching 4 passes for 42 yards in the Huskers' 30-15 victory over the LSU Tigers. His contributions helped Nebraska finish the season with a 10-2 record.  

1985 (Sophomore)
Banderas served as Nebraska's No. 2 tight end behind Todd Frain and made the most of his opportunities during the season. He caught two passes, both for touchdowns—a 14-yard score against New Mexico and a 12-yard touchdown against Iowa State. Banderas helped the Cornhuskers finish 9–3 and earn an appearance in the Fiesta Bowl. 

1984 (Redshirt)
Banderas redshirted in his second season at Nebraska.

1983 (Freshman)
Banderas began his Nebraska career as the starting tight end on the freshman team. He recorded two receptions for 21 yards while helping lead the freshman team to a perfect 5–0 record. 

Oak Grove High School
Banderas was an all-state, all-metro, and three time all-conference tight end under Coach Wayne McGinnis. In addition to his success on the football field, he earned all-conference honors in basketball and ranked among the state leaders in track and field in both the shot put and discus. 

Personal
Son of Daniel Banderas Jr., he was born in Kansas City, Mo. Banderas has one brother.