Prep talk: L.A. Jordan's David Sandy will walk on at Sacramento State

Los Angeles Times - May 3rd, 2025

David Sandy, a remarkable dual-sport athlete from L.A. Jordan, is set to join Sacramento State as a walk-on. Celebrated for his exceptional performance, Sandy has led his high school football team to a City Section Division II championship, amassing 2,904 rushing yards and 39 touchdowns as a junior. This past season, he added 2,572 yards and 28 touchdowns, along with 95 tackles, to his impressive record. His achievements earned him the prestigious Watkins fellowship, awarding him a $48,000 scholarship. Former coach Derek Benton praises Sandy's impact, noting his promise for the future and his role as an inspiration for the community.

Sandy's decision to walk on at Sacramento State underscores his commitment to furthering his athletic career while pursuing higher education. His story highlights the positive influence of high school sports and the potential they hold for young athletes. Sandy's journey from high school hero to college athlete is a testament to his talent and perseverance, offering hope and motivation to aspiring athletes within his community and beyond. His achievements not only elevate his personal aspirations but also bring recognition to L.A. Jordan and its sports programs.

Football High School Sports David Sandy Sacramento State L.A. Jordan Watkins Fellowship Volleyball

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

5.2

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides a positive portrayal of David Sandy's achievements and future plans, but it lacks sufficient verification and source transparency. While timely and engaging for those interested in high school sports, the story's reliance on unverified claims and limited perspectives reduces its overall reliability. The narrative is clear and accessible, though the abrupt inclusion of unrelated content disrupts the flow. Overall, the article succeeds in celebrating a local athlete but falls short in providing a comprehensive and well-substantiated account.

Accuracy

The story's accuracy is mixed, as several key claims lack direct verification from external sources. For instance, David Sandy's reported plans to walk on at Sacramento State and his $48,000 scholarship as a Watkins fellow are not corroborated by available data. The statistical achievements attributed to Sandy, such as his rushing yards and touchdowns, also require validation from official records. While the story presents these details as facts, the absence of supporting evidence diminishes its factual accuracy.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on David Sandy's athletic achievements and future plans, offering a positive portrayal of his impact. However, it lacks a broader range of perspectives, such as insights from teammates, opponents, or other community members, which could provide a more balanced view of his influence. The inclusion of a quote from a former coach adds some depth, but the overall narrative leans heavily towards celebrating Sandy's accomplishments without exploring potential challenges or criticisms.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and straightforward in its presentation of Sandy's achievements and future plans. However, the abrupt transition to unrelated content about a beach volleyball match disrupts the logical flow. Despite this, the language is neutral and accessible, making it easy for readers to understand the main points.

Source quality

The article does not cite specific sources for its claims, relying instead on general statements and a quote from a former coach. This lack of source diversity and attribution raises questions about the reliability of the information presented. The absence of direct references to official records, such as school or sports association statistics, undermines the credibility of the story's claims.

Transparency

The story lacks transparency in its sourcing and methodology. It does not disclose how information was obtained or verified, leaving readers without a clear understanding of the basis for its claims. The absence of context regarding the scholarship details and the verification of statistical achievements further obscures the transparency of the reporting process.