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University of Minnesota Athletics
Player Profile: Senior Linebacker Dominique Sims
9/13/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
Only a team-first player like Sims would adapt agreeably to the numerous position changes he has experienced. Sims began his collegiate career at free safety, played a variety of special teams roles, and experimented for a one-game stint as an option quarterback before moving to linebacker. Last year he played "will" linebacker before finally settling in as the starting "drop" linebacker during spring practice.
Continual adjustments would frustrate most players, but not Sims. His optimistic attitude is evident from his positive comments on the position changes. "With every switch there is a new opportunity," he said. "It may be difficult to learn a new position, but there is so much upside to fitting into the team better. I think linebacker is a home for me, but I've learned to just work on being a good football player, not just a certain position."
Many athletes are able to change positions with ease due to their tremendous athletic ability, but Sims credits his adaptation to defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Greg Hudson. "I have a lot of respect for coach Hudson. He welcomed me with open arms when I became a linebacker," Sims said. "His teaching ability is exceptional. He is what you want out of a coach."
"He's ready. He's comfortable. He's confident," stated fellow starting linebacker, Kyle McKenzie, Sims' good friend and teammate. "This is huge for him. He's getting his chance. It's his time to shine." McKenzie said.
But Sims refuses to take center stage. For him this season is not about starting every game or getting the most tackles. It's simply about assuring the team's success. "I think personally, I need to contribute in the scheme of the defense, and execute," stated the humble Sims.
He truly cherishes his opportunity to start and help the Gophers win. Rather than any individual triumph, his favorite part of playing defense is an achievement shared by every player on the field.
"I just like being on the field, sending an offense off the field. I love all the guys communicating with each other, and running off the field after a big play and the coaches loving you up. That atmosphere... that's what I love," Sims remarked. It's obvious Sims appreciates everyone around him, including his teammates, coaches, and friends. But nothing is held dearer to him than his family, especially his mother Kim. "My mother is the most important person in the world to me," Sims stated. He spends a majority of his free time around his family, watching one of his five brothers compete in sports. The family-oriented Sims enjoys playing close to those he cares most about. "It's meant a lot to be so close to home," says Sims. "Seeing my family up in the stands, and being able to talk to them after every game is a very warm feeling."
A local product from DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis, Sims cherishes the fact that his family has been able to watch him compete the last four years. Even after leading his alma mater to the 1999 state championship, and compiling statistics that made him one of the top 20 recruits in the Midwest, Sims claims never to have been a "star." He learned early that football is a team game, a lesson that takes many kids years to learn. "If you come into (college) saying I'm going to play this and that, most likely it's not going to happen," he said. "I've never regarded myself as separate from the team, and I don't want to be considered that way."
The future veterinarian is equally impressive in the classroom. A three-time selection to the Academic All-Big Ten team and four-time university scholar-athlete award winner, Sims attributes his academic success to the teachings of his mother. "My mom prepared me. She taught me how to manage multiple things going on at one time," Sims said.
As a senior, Sims welcomes his leadership role. He understands that his responsibility to the team is as much how he carries himself off the field as it is on the field. "I think whether you are a starter or a senior - what you say and what you do - it makes greater ripples for the rest of the team. There is definitely a greater responsibility for me."
This season could hold great things for Sims, as it could for the entire 2004 Golden Gophers squad. Just because Sims has added responsibility, do not expect any change in the senior's attitude. If he intercepts a pass, he will praise the defensive line's pressure. If he recovers a fumble, he will give credit to the player who knocked the ball loose. If all the chips fall into place and Sims makes a game-winning tackle in a January bowl game, Sims will thank his entire team for getting him there. This year is not about himself and he will be the first to tell you that; that's just the way he is.
Next year, the Gophers will need to replace Sims at "drop" linebacker. Although that player may have comparable athletic talent, coaches will be hard-pressed to find a man who will match the character he embodies. His "team-first" approach is something every coach relishes. Dominique Sims defines "unselfish," as an athlete, a student, and most importantly as a person.
Story written by Athletic Communications student assistant Dominic Ladd. Ladd welcomes comments at ladd0022@umn.edu
Throughout his football career, Dominique Sims has never sought the spotlight. There may be no other player on the 2004 Golden Gopher football squad who more fully understands the term "team." Sims selfless nature does not go unnoticed. When teammates were asked to name the team's most unselfish player most answered "Dominique Sims."
Only a team-first player like Sims would adapt agreeably to the numerous position changes he has experienced. Sims began his collegiate career at free safety, played a variety of special teams roles, and experimented for a one-game stint as an option quarterback before moving to linebacker. Last year he played "will" linebacker before finally settling in as the starting "drop" linebacker during spring practice.
Continual adjustments would frustrate most players, but not Sims. His optimistic attitude is evident from his positive comments on the position changes. "With every switch there is a new opportunity," he said. "It may be difficult to learn a new position, but there is so much upside to fitting into the team better. I think linebacker is a home for me, but I've learned to just work on being a good football player, not just a certain position."
Many athletes are able to change positions with ease due to their tremendous athletic ability, but Sims credits his adaptation to defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Greg Hudson. "I have a lot of respect for coach Hudson. He welcomed me with open arms when I became a linebacker," Sims said. "His teaching ability is exceptional. He is what you want out of a coach."
"He's ready. He's comfortable. He's confident," stated fellow starting linebacker, Kyle McKenzie, Sims' good friend and teammate. "This is huge for him. He's getting his chance. It's his time to shine." McKenzie said.
But Sims refuses to take center stage. For him this season is not about starting every game or getting the most tackles. It's simply about assuring the team's success. "I think personally, I need to contribute in the scheme of the defense, and execute," stated the humble Sims.
He truly cherishes his opportunity to start and help the Gophers win. Rather than any individual triumph, his favorite part of playing defense is an achievement shared by every player on the field.
"I just like being on the field, sending an offense off the field. I love all the guys communicating with each other, and running off the field after a big play and the coaches loving you up. That atmosphere... that's what I love," Sims remarked. It's obvious Sims appreciates everyone around him, including his teammates, coaches, and friends. But nothing is held dearer to him than his family, especially his mother Kim. "My mother is the most important person in the world to me," Sims stated. He spends a majority of his free time around his family, watching one of his five brothers compete in sports. The family-oriented Sims enjoys playing close to those he cares most about. "It's meant a lot to be so close to home," says Sims. "Seeing my family up in the stands, and being able to talk to them after every game is a very warm feeling."
A local product from DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis, Sims cherishes the fact that his family has been able to watch him compete the last four years. Even after leading his alma mater to the 1999 state championship, and compiling statistics that made him one of the top 20 recruits in the Midwest, Sims claims never to have been a "star." He learned early that football is a team game, a lesson that takes many kids years to learn. "If you come into (college) saying I'm going to play this and that, most likely it's not going to happen," he said. "I've never regarded myself as separate from the team, and I don't want to be considered that way."
The future veterinarian is equally impressive in the classroom. A three-time selection to the Academic All-Big Ten team and four-time university scholar-athlete award winner, Sims attributes his academic success to the teachings of his mother. "My mom prepared me. She taught me how to manage multiple things going on at one time," Sims said.
As a senior, Sims welcomes his leadership role. He understands that his responsibility to the team is as much how he carries himself off the field as it is on the field. "I think whether you are a starter or a senior - what you say and what you do - it makes greater ripples for the rest of the team. There is definitely a greater responsibility for me."
This season could hold great things for Sims, as it could for the entire 2004 Golden Gophers squad. Just because Sims has added responsibility, do not expect any change in the senior's attitude. If he intercepts a pass, he will praise the defensive line's pressure. If he recovers a fumble, he will give credit to the player who knocked the ball loose. If all the chips fall into place and Sims makes a game-winning tackle in a January bowl game, Sims will thank his entire team for getting him there. This year is not about himself and he will be the first to tell you that; that's just the way he is.
Next year, the Gophers will need to replace Sims at "drop" linebacker. Although that player may have comparable athletic talent, coaches will be hard-pressed to find a man who will match the character he embodies. His "team-first" approach is something every coach relishes. Dominique Sims defines "unselfish," as an athlete, a student, and most importantly as a person.
Story written by Athletic Communications student assistant Dominic Ladd. Ladd welcomes comments at ladd0022@umn.edu
