James Sims Named To 2013 Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watch List
LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas senior halfback James Sims’ was featured on the list of 2013 Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award candidates released by the Tyler, Texas Chamber of Commerce and SPORTyler Wednesday.
Sims, who is the Big 12 Conference’s top returning rusher heading into the 2013 season, is in the field of candidates for the award that recognizes the top offensive player in Division 1 football who also exhibits the enduring characteristics that define Earl Campbell: integrity, performance, teamwork, sportsmanship, drive, community and tenacity; specifically tenacity to persist and determination to overcome adversity and injury in pursuit of reaching goals. In addition, the nominee must meet one or more of the following criteria: born in Texas and/or graduated from a Texas High School and/or played at a Texas-based junior college or four year college.
A native of Irving, Texas, Sims became just the 11th player in Kansas history to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season as he turned in 1,013 yards on the ground and nine touchdowns in 2012 despite missing the first three games of the season. He set a KU record by recording 100 or more yards in six consecutive games.
Sims, who led the Big 12 in rushing and ranked 18th in the NCAA in 2012, recorded a career long rush of 64 yards (vs. Texas), a career-long reception of 51 yards (vs. Oklahoma) and a career-long TD run of 59 yards (vs. Baylor). Additionally, he logged his career-best rushing game with 176 yards vs. Texas. He finished his junior campaign ranked eighth on the Kansas all-time rushing chart with 2,482 yards.
Sims also hauled in 14 receptions for 168 yards and a touchdown in 2012. He concluded his outstanding junior season by finding his name on numerous All-Big 12 teams including picking up first team honors from ESPN.com, Phil Steele Magazine and CBS Sports. He earned second team All-Big 12 honors from the conference office, the Associated Press and the San Antonio Express News.
The Watch List announced today will be narrowed down to 16 semifinalists in November and then trimmed to four finalists in December. The semifinalists and finalists will be selected by broadcasters, commentators, journalists, fans and (in the future) former winners. The finalists will be brought to Tyler for The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Awards Banquet scheduled for January 10, 2014.
Sims and his KU teammates will open the 2013 season on Saturday, Sept. 7, when they plays host to South Dakota at Memorial Stadium at 6 p.m. Tickets are available by calling 800-34-HAWKS or by visiting the Kansas ticket office at KUAthletics.com.
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