Alabama backup QB Sims returns to his home state
Two more years playing behind A.J. McCarron at Alabama wasn’t what Phillip Sims envisioned as the No. 1 quarterback recruit in the nation (ESPN) out of Oscar Smith High. On Wednesday the University of Virginia announced that Sims will transfer to the Cavaliers.
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The 6-2, 211-pound Sims hopes to get a waiver to play immediately, claiming he is returning to his home state because of a family situation. Sims will be a redshirt sophomore next fall.
Whether Sims challenges starter Michael Rocco next fall or in 2013, this is a major coup for coach Mike London, who continues to land the top players from the talent-rich Tidewater area of Virginia. Sims started four years at Oscar Smith and holds state records for career yards (10,725) and touchdown passes (119).
“Virginia football welcomes Phillip Sims to our family,” London said in a statement. “Hopefully he will have a productive career here at U. Va. As his previous accolades have shown.”
In Charlottesville, Sims joins Oscar Smith grads Perry Jones (running back) and Tim Smith (wide receiver). The move could hasten the departure of quarterback David Watford, who struggled as a true freshman, sharing snaps early last season with Rocco before playing his way out of the rotation.
The same fate befell Sims last fall at Alabama. He began the year splitting time with McCarron, before the sophomore emerged. Sims went 18 of 28 for 163 yards, two interceptions and no touchdowns. He went 9 of 12 for 135 yards and two touchdowns in the Bama spring game.
