Aug. 25, 2015
Birmingham, Ala. — Vanderbilt standouts Caleb Azubike and Darrius Sims have been named to the 2015 Preseason Coaches All-Southeastern Conference Football Teams, the conference announced today.
Azubike, a senior from Nashville, was named to the coaches’ third-team All-SEC defensive line. Sims, a junior from Memphis, was named as third-team return specialist.
The Commodores open the season under second-year Head Coach Derek Mason on Thursday, Sept. 3, hosting Western Kentucky at Vanderbilt Stadium. Tickets remain available for the game, which kicks off at 7 p.m. CT.
Azubike contributed a career-high 39 tackles, including four quarterback sacks and six tackles for loss, as a junior playing both outside linebacker and defensive end. He is expected to play defensive end as a senior.
Azubike also ranks as the team’s active career leader with 12 quarterback sacks and 20 tackles for loss.
Sims averaged 24.5 yards as a kick returner in 2014, highlighted by an incredible performance against South Carolina. He set a conference record and matched a NCAA record by returning two kicks for touchdowns against the Gamecocks.
The versatile Sims is expected to concentrate at wide receiver this year after seeing action as a cornerback, receiver and running back last year.
Several other Commodores garnered consideration, including tight end Steven Scheu, offensive lineman Spencer Pulley, running back Ralph Webb, linebacker Nigel Bowden, defensive lineman Adam Butler and cornerback Torren McGaster.