2013 Spartan Nation Football Profile: #21 WR Andre Sims, Jr.
2013 Spartan Nation Football Profile: #21 WR Andre Sims, Jr.
Expectation: Punt Returner/Slot WR
Height: 5’9â€
Weight: 185#
2013 Eligibility: Redshirt Sophomore
EXP: 1 Letter
Status: Punt Returner/Slot WR
Strengths: He is a tough football player. He isn’t afraid, and even though he is not the prototypical in size player, he has an edge. In the CMU game it was the 3rd quarter with 11:35 on the clock and the Spartans had a 2nd and eight. LeVeon had a great run that was possible by a great downfield block by Sims. It was a ferocious block and it opened a lane.
Weakness: In the Northwestern game, Sims back-peddles on a punt return in the 2nd quarter with 11:32 on the clock. He fumbles it and it turns into a major scrum. Sims has been told his entire life that he is undersized. That doesn’t change the fact that he got a BCS scholarship because his toughness showed on tape. They wanted him for a reason. Sometimes he will make mistakes like the fumble at Northwestern that are not a reflection of who he is, or will fair catch a punt that he could have returned. He has to learn to trust the skills he has been blessed with and be a playmaker. He has the tools; he has to find the confidence.
Final Analysis: Sims is a terrific young man with a terrific family. I know him to be warm and he cares as much as any other member of this team. In 2013 if he wants to be on the field, he is going to have to find the confidence to put his foot in the ground and bring some of those punts back. Coaches don’t mind a fair catch, but when there is room and a seam and you don’t, you won’t get many more chances. This staff preaches about the punt more than any in the nation. That is his place to shine and if that toughness can shine on that play, it will earn him more in the slot.
When he gets on the field he won’t get a chance to catch 30 balls, he has to make each catch earn him more reps.
They knew he was undersized when they recruited him. They saw him make plays with toughness and doing the little things others wouldn’t or couldn’t. Flashing that style in 2013 will get Sims the reps all competitors crave. He has to trust himself, so his coaches can trust him.
Next up: #8 Lawrence “LT†Thomas
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