Freshman James Sims Dominates in Kansas Career Debut

Sept. 12, 2010

Kansas’ true freshman James Sims performance at running back against Georgia Tech on Saturday can be described as nothing but dominating.

Sims not only recorded 101 yards on 17 carries during his Jayhawk debut, but also is the first freshman in Kansas history to record 100 yards rushing in his first game. He was also the second Jayhawk freshman to run for over 100 yards since the 2002 season.

“I knew he had the potential to do that,” head coach Turner Gill said. “I wish it were up to the offensive line and defensive line. I challenged those two groups of people because they were the ones who were going to help us to win this football game. They did fairly well in this game, so hats off to all of those guys, receivers, blockers and everyone else too.”

Sims, who sports a hair style similar to the 1990’s rap star Kid-n-Play, also capitalized on a touchdown opportunity in the third quarter, making him the third different Jayhawk to score his first career touchdown against the Yellow Jackets.

“I was just going out there to play,” Sims said. “I wasn’t going into the game trying to keep up with my statistics. I was just trying to help my team win.”

Sims helped the Jayhawks pull off the upset against No. 15 Georgia Tech with a final score of 28-25, to snap an eight-game Kansas losing streak.

“Coach (Turner) Gill just told us to let the game (last week against North Dakota State) go and focus on Georgia Tech,” Sims said. He said you can’t look back on the past, because if you do, then it will affect what you do in the future.”

There was no doubt Sims had some nerves going into game two of the Jayhawks regular season play, but his nerves were quickly put aside after it was clear Kansas was on the road to success.

“I was a little nervous, just since it was my first college game,” Sims said. “I give all of the credit to my offensive line. They told me that they were going to get the job done and that’s what they did. I’m glad that I believed them.”

Next, Sims and the Jayhawks will take on Southern Miss on Friday September, 17 at 7 p.m. central standard time. The game will be televised live on ESPN, but make sure to check out KUAthletics.com for live updates.