Xavier Landers is definitely making up for lost time.

The North Springs senior tight end rejoined the team after a three-year absence and has made an immediate impact in the Spartan offense.

Landers has amassed nearly 200 yards in receptions through North Springs’ first three games of the 2012 season.

He has especially come on strong in the last two games for North Springs, gaining 100 yards receiving against Riverwood in the second game of the season and had 50 yards in receptions against Hapeville in week three for the Spartans.

Landers played for North Springs as a freshman in 2009, but has sat out the last two seasons.

However, he had a chance of heart and told North Springs coach Todd Powers, who has been Landers' ROTC instructor for the last three years, of his intentions.

“I had him for three years in ROTC and his senior year, he decided to go out for the football team,” Powers said. “He came up to me one day and said he wanted to play football. He brings the leadership skills and the commitment that he has learned in ROTC to the team. He’s had a couple of big games for us and he’s been an important part of this team.”