#6 Darrius Sims

Honors
• 2015 Fall SEC Academic Honor Roll
• 2014 SEC Specialist of the Week (Sept. 20)

2016
In his final season, Sims continued to contribute effectively in multiple ways for the Commodores… Though starting just the Camping World Independence Bowl in 12 appearances, Sims was the team’s top kick specialist, ranked among its leading rushers and hauled in catches as a wide receiver… He concluded the season with 271 rushing yards on418 carries and 61 receiving yards on five catches… Sims also established a new team record for all-time kick return yardage, finishing the year with 2,496 career yards… Sims’ 28.0-yard average as a senior topped all SEC kick returners, and was the highest season average by a Commodore since 1957… Sims’ top performance as a receiver and running back came in the win over Ole Miss where he combined for 101 all-purpose yards – 53 receiving and 48 rushing… He also contributed 86 rushing yards on seven carries at Missouri.

2015
For the first time in his Commodore career, the versatile Sims was featured as a triple threat, seeing action at running back and receiver on offense, and as kick and punt returner on special teams… Played in all 12 games, earning four starts at receiver and two at running back… Finished the year second on the team with 249 rushing yards and a TD… Averaged 5.8 yards per carry… Also contributed 110 receiving yards on 10 catches… As kick returner, averaged 18.9 yards on 25 returns… Put together excellent game at South Carolina, accumulating 146 all-purpose yards including 104 rushing yards and 22 receiving yards… Scored first touchdown of the season in finale at Tennessee on 7-yard rush.

2014
The Commodores’ most versatile player, Sims saw action in all three phases of the game… Participated in all 12 games, seeing action as a running back and wide receiver on offense, nickel back on defense, and return specialist… Ranked among the leading SEC kick returners, averaging 24.5 yards on 31 returns… Put together one of the greatest individual performances in team history against South Carolina, becoming first player in SEC history to return two kicks for touchdowns in the same game… Touchdowns against Gamecocks came on returns on 91 and 100 yards… Performance vs. South Carolina earned SEC Specialist of the Week honors… On offense, Sims had two rush attempts and caught a pair of passes… On defense, Sims totaled five tackles and an interception… Provided team’s only points vs. Kentucky with a 13-yard interception for touchdown.

2013
Sims was one of three true freshmen to see action for the ‘Dores during the regular season, contributing as a cornerback and return specialist… Played in all 13 games… Finished 10 total tackles, including eight solo stops… Also contributed a fumble recovery and pass defended… Was one of the SEC’s top kickoff returners, averaging 22.8 yards on 25 returns… Posted season best return of 71 yards in win at Tennessee… Registered three solo tackles at South Carolina, and a pair of unassisted stops against both Texas A&M and UAB.

High School
Senior co-captain… Three-year starter at cornerback… Played instrumental role as CB and WR in Whitehaven’s first state title campaign… Was named Defensive MVP in thrilling 36-35 6A state championship victory over Maryville that capped 15-0 record… As senior, earned First Team All-State honors after contributing 68 tackles, 40 solo tackles, four INTs and 13 pass breakups… Accounted for seven TDs as senior, including two INT returns and three punt returns… Two-time Commercial Appeal “Best of the Preps” recipient… Hauled in a pair of INTs in postseason AutoZone Liberty Bowl All-Star Game… Sprinted in track and lettered in basketball.

Personal
Darrius D. Sims… Majoring in Communication Studies… Son of Phyllis Carter… Born Oct. 26, 1994… Has two brothers, DeMario and DeMarcus; and two sisters, Joselyn and Deeleon… Godparents are Marvin and Trione Cooper.

Career Highs
Rushing Yards: 104 yards, at South Carolina, 10/17/2015
Rush Attempts: 10, vs. Ole Miss, 11/19/2016
Longest Rush: 41 yards, at South Carolina, 10/17/2015
Receptions: 2 (2x) last vs. Ole Miss, 11/19/2016
Receiving Yards: 53 yards, vs. Ole Miss, 11/19/2016
Longest Reception: 39 yards, vs. Ole Miss, 11/19/2016
Total Tackles: 3, (2x) Last at Kentucky, 9/27/2014
Interceptions: 1, at Kentucky, 9/27/2014
Longest Kick Return: 100 yards, vs. South Carolina, 9/20/2014
Kick Return Yards: 217, vs. South Carolina, 9/20/2014
Kick Return Touchdowns: 2, vs. South Carolina, 9/20/2014