Sept. 21, 2014
By David Dawson
The final score was what mattered most to Darrius Sims.
Still, it was a special night for the kick return specialist.
Sims, a 5-foot-9 sophomore from Memphis, delivered two electrifying returns for touchdowns — covering 91 and 100 yards — during the Commodores’ 48-34 loss to No. 14-ranked South Carolina.
He became the first player in Vanderbilt history, and the 18th player in FBS history, to return two kickoffs for a touchdown in the same game. Also, his 100-yard return in the second half tied the school record set by Preston Brown in 1977.
Vanderbilt head coach Derek Mason described Sims’ performance as “incredible” and said it was an indication of the type of playmakers the Commodores (1-3, 0-2) have on their roster.
“I can’t say enough about Darrius Sims and what he did in the return game for us tonight,” said Mason. “He was explosive. … And we have a lot of explosive players on this team.”
Sims said he was excited about being able to contribute, but said a victory would have made the records more satisfying. He also said that his breakthrough performance was a reflection of his teammates who opened the holes for him.
“I’m just doing my job by making this team better,” he said. “I tell my guys, ‘just do your job and we will (all) be successful.”
Sims set the tone for his big night before the face paint had dried on some of the fans’ faces.
Fielding the opening kickoff at the 9-yard line, Sims found a seam and raced 91 yards, untouched, to give Vanderbilt a quick 7-0 lead.
Then, in the second half, Sims literally outdid himself.
With the Commodores trailing by 10 points early in the third quarter, Sims fielded a kickoff in the end zone and elected to bring it out. Seconds later, he was celebrating a touchdown in the other end zone after a 100-yard return.
“I give all the credit to the blocking,” said Sims, “and to the scheme that (special teams) coach (Charles) Bankins put out there.”
Sims finished with 217 yards on three returns. After his scored his second touchdown, the Gamecocks made sure to avoid being burned again. They opted to squib kick the rest of the night, and the Commodores had problems handling the kicks cleanly.
“We have to be better with that,” said Mason. “We practice it.”
FRESHMAN DELIVERS: After an injury to starting quarterback Patton Robinette in the first half, the Commodores turned to true freshman Wade Freeback, who went the rest of the way and delivered a solid showing.
He completed 11-of-20 passes for 168 yards, including a 7-yard touchdown pass to Kris Kentera in the final minute of the game. He threw one interception, which was returned for a touchdown right before halftime.
“I talked to him at half time and said, ‘You have to calm down a little bit, get the nerves out of the system, and leave the first half in the past. You have to play,'” said freshman running back Ralph Webb, who ran for 98 yards on 19 carries. “And he stepped up and did his job.”
Mason said he did not know the extent of Robinson’s injury.
“We will know more tomorrow,” he said. “I’ll see where Patton is and if Wade (starts next Saturday at Kentucky), we’ll find ways to make it work for Wade.”
