CdM’s Sands headed to University of San Diego

Corona del Mar High senior quarterback Mitch Sands has committed to play football at the University of San Diego, Coach Jason Hitchens said Friday.

Sands, the Newport-Mesa Dream Team Player of the Year, threw for 1,560 yards and 21 touchdowns last season. He also set CdM’s regular-season record for touchdown passes with 18.

Sands, a first-team All-Pacific Coast League pick, also played cornerback.

The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder led the Sea Kings (10-3, 3-1 in the Pacific Coast League) to the semifinals of the CIF Southern Section Southern Division playoffs, the program’s longest postseason run since 1995.

— David Carrillo Peñaloza