'09 MI WR Dion Sims (Official Offer)

[wadc45]

Rivals Profile
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Orchard Lake (MI) St. Mary's

Ht: 6-foot-5
Wt: 230 lbs

Named to Rivals.com's "100 To Watch" for 2009. Also a highly rated basketball prospect.

Scout $

8/28

From GBW...talks about his match-up against Cissoko.

OLSM Football News 2007

9. DION SIMS, Orchard Lake St. Mary's jr. WR-TE-DB (6-5, 220) - Had to sit out last season after transferring from Detroit U-D Jesuit. Considered the state's best prospect at tight end, Sims is sure-handed and dangerous in the red zone.

[OSwho?]

I believe he's got an uncle that works at UM and a cousin that attends UM.

Don't know if he's a Michigan fan or if he wants to play football, basketball, or both. I think he ought to just make a decision on one sport though, because very rarely does a kid ever pull of both at a high level.

[wadc45]

I believe his father works at UM...

[OSwho?]

Originally Posted by wadc45

I believe his father works at UM...

Maybe that's it. I just remember hearing from a guy who really follows Michigan high school football talking about how Sims had a few family ties to Umich.

I'd love to see him at Michigan, no doubt, but if he decides to go the basketball route I could easily see him going to Michigan State or North Carolina or some place along those lines.

[wadc45]

Transferring transforms 2-sport star

Sims making the grade and feeling less backlash after his parents have him change schools.

Tom Markowski / The Detroit News

ORCHARD LAKE -- In some ways Dion Sims is glad to see the last 12 months pass. The insensitive e-mails have nearly stopped. The snide remarks, if only made behind his back, have diminished.

Sims is comfortable in his new surroundings and ready to get on with his life, academically, athletically and socially.

Sims, 16, transferred from U-D Jesuit to Orchard Lake St. Mary's in September 2006 because his parents were not pleased with his academic performance.

Continued...

Schools such as Miami (Fla.), Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State are recruiting Sims in both sports. Florida, Indiana and UCLA are recruiting Sims to play basketball. Others, like Iowa, are recruiting him for football.

"As of right now I want to do both, if I can work it out," Sims said. "If they said I could only do one, it would be football."

[wadc45]

TheWolverine.com - New video: Cass Tech at St. Mary's Prep

Michigan commits Boubacar Cissoko and William Campbell, as well as Indiana commit Cortez Smith take on mighty St. Mary's Prep and 2009 wide receiver prospect Dion Sims.

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BN $

3/4

By BK...has football offers from Iowa, Purdue, Miami, Michigan and Michigan State and basketball offers from Michigan State, Miami, Indiana, Iowa and Purdue. Lists interest in Michigan State, Michigan, Purdue, Indiana, North Carolina, Miami, Ohio State, Florida, USC, UCLA and Tennessee.

[HotMic]

Football or basketball? Two-sport star Sims analyzing his options

Thursday, May 8, 2008
Sam Webb: Recruiting
Football or basketball? Two-sport star Sims analyzing his options

The name Dion Sims has been on the lips of high school sports enthusiasts in the state of Michigan since he burst onto the scene as a physically imposing freshman at U-D Jesuit back in 2005. As a wide receiver he was an extremely tough cover, boasting size, strength and deceptive speed. On hardwood, he shined even brighter. At 6-foot-5 and 200 pounds, he handled the ball well, was efficient from long range, and flashed outstanding versatility by playing every position on the floor at some point during the season.

Despite his dual-sport success, most thought that a collegiate future primarily in basketball was a virtual certainty. Two years, 35 pounds of muscle, and a great deal of interest from college football coaches later, and the decision is no longer that simple.

Even in the absence of eye-popping gridiron statistics during his junior campaign at Orchard Lake St. Mary's, Sims has emerged as one of the top football prospects in the state. He lists offers from UCLA, LSU, Miami, Ohio State, Tennessee, Michigan, Michigan State, Purdue and Iowa.

According to Scout.com Midwest Football Analyst Allen Trieu and Scout.com National Director of Basketball Recruiting Dave Telep, there is a very good reason for that.

"He is a better basketball player right now, but he probably has more long-term potential in football," Trieu explained. "To this point, he has been more effective as a defensive player, but his potential on offense is high because of his size and athleticism. He has good hands, runs good routes, and while he isn't a blazer, he has more than adequate speed ? especially if you're projecting him to tight end. He could really stretch the center of the field. He has the kind of size and natural athleticism that can be molded into a big-time prospect."

Said Telep: "I think he's a college hoops prospect on the mid-level. His body is a huge asset and his mid-range game is a help. So far this year in the limited times I have seen him, he's had moments where his shot has looked very good and he can pass the ball. I would think MAC programs would love to get their hands on him. To be higher, you would like to see him round out his game ? maybe add a post-up element to take advantage of size mismatches."

[wadc45]

Rivals $

6/4

From the OSU site....interested in Miami, Georgia, UCLA, Tennessee, Purdue, Iowa, Ohio State, USC, Louisville, Michigan, Michigan State, Florida State & LSU. Says he is still undecided whether he will play basketball, football or both in college. Plans on making a visit to Columbus soon.

[wadc45]

Bucknuts $

7/11

By Bill Kurelic...Sims is leaning toward playing football slightly over basketball. States his top 5 as Ohio State, Miami, Tennessee, Georgia and UCLA but is also looking at UM and MSU. Plans on taking all 5 officials and says OSU will be one.

[wadc45]

Rivals $

7/30

From the OSU site...recaps his AAU run and says he has been to Ohio State, Michigan and Michigan State. Still unsure of what route he will go, basketball or football.

[wadc45]

Scout $

8/6

From GoSpartans...Dion's father denies the rumor that his son silently committed to Michigan State. Will make officials to UCLA, Tennessee, Miami (FL) and Ohio State. Will make unofficials to nearby UM and MSU.

[wadc45]

Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Catholic League


PATIENT: Sims not rushing future plans
St. Mary's two-sport athlete says basketball is his first love, but he's also keeping football options open.
Tom Markowski / The Detroit News

ORCHARD LAKE -- One would assume a football player would jump at the opportunity to accept a scholarship offer from Southern California, Tennessee, UCLA, Georgia, Ohio State, Michigan and Michigan State.

But Dion Sims of Orchard Lake St. Mary's isn't your typical high school football player, and he's not saying yes to any scholarship offer just yet. With his summer crowded with AAU basketball and commitments, the receiver/end had no time for football camps or unofficial visits to prospective colleges.

That's Sims' dilemma. Basketball or football? Once, he pondered playing both in college. Not now. He said it's going to be one or the other. And the winner is?

Basketball ... for now.

"I want to take visits first," Sims said. "I really want to wait until after basketball is over. My heart is more into basketball. I can picture myself doing basketball as a job. I enjoy it more."

George Porritt, who coaches football and basketball at St. Mary's, said one must admire and respect Sims, who is choosing what's right for him and not someone else.

At 6-foot-6 and 230 pounds, Sims is considered a can't-miss college football prospect.

His basketball future isn't quite as clear-cut. He's received scholarship offers fr