The Moment is Here for Arizona State's Jeff Sims

The backup quarterback has a chance to finish his college career off in a positive manner.

Jan 1, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) is consoled by quarterback Jeff Sims (6) after a loss against the Texas Longhorns in the Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

TEMPE -- The moment is now for Arizona State senior QB Jeff Sims.

The longtime college quarterback has started 26 games in his career between Georgia Tech, Nebraska, and Arizona State - displaying struggles, including an acumen to turn the ball over despite positives that he provides.

Simms transferred to Arizona State in April of 2024 - narrowly losing out on the starting battle to Sam Leavitt. He received one opportunity to start on October 19 of last year in a 24-14 loss to Cincinnati - but now the stakes are bigger.

Offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo is extremely grateful that Simms is with the program and shows up every single day to work - something he verbalized after Wednesday's practice.

"Jeff Simms' work ethic and how he's added on to the quarterback room, just overall his ability since he's been here. I mean, yeah, we talked about him a little bit before. He just a guy who's come to work every day as a backup and a guy who's been in college football for, you know, a long time now and still shows up every day with a good attitude, prepares well. Had a whole week of work last week, and did have had a bunch of reps in the bye. I mean, it's just, I'm just, again, humbled by the way he comes to work and prepares himself and enjoys it, and makes the team and the group a better a better place to be."

Head coach Kenny Dillingham has heaped praise on the 23-year old as well - labeling him as an NFL-caliber quarterback alongside Leavitt before the season, while expressing unrequited confidence in the spot starter this week.

What Sims Provides in Week Seven

• Sims has the ability to add to the rushing attack - particularly when it comes to designed runs. Sims has 1,478 career rushing yards and 13 touchdowns to add alongside the trio of battle-tested running backs currently on the roster. Raleek Brown's 6.6 yards per carry perfectly accompanies this train of thought.

• Sims' arm strength and penchant to throw strong fade route balls bodes well for the array of Sun Devil pass catchers - especially star Jordyn Tyson. Tyson's ability to win at all three levels is a recipe for success regardless of what quarterback is lining up.

• Sims did not turn the ball over in the limited action he saw last season - showing that the coaching staff is set to place him in optimal positions to play turnover-free ball.

Arizona State-Utah is set to kickoff at 7:15 P.M. AZT tonight - it is set to be broadcast on ESPN.

Read more about Arizona State basketball coach Bobby Hurley speaking directly to fans ahead of the start of the 2025 season here, and on previewing key individual Utah players ahead of the Sun Devil football game on Saturday here.

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