Pat Sims: Persevering from family tragedy to first day pick

By Craig Barnes | South Florida Sun-Sentinel
...Sims, a Dillard graduate, was dealing with the loss of his sister, who died of a heart attack. He also wasn't satisfied with his playing time.

"I needed time to get myself together," Sims said. "I was only 18 when my sister, Vonda, passed away, and we were very close. I was also upset with my situation. I considered transferring."

Sims' 2005 decision has caused some to label him a "risk." He says that decision made him a prospect.

"I wasn't just a more focused player when I came back," Sims said. "I was a changed man. I had a renewed commitment and it paid off."

Sims, entering the draft after his junior season, blossomed into a disruptive force last year. He had 37 tackles, including 11.5 for losses, with 4.5 sacks. It was good enough to be selected first-team All-Southeastern Conference.

His play landed him in a group of defensive tackles behind LSU's Glenn Dorsey, Southern Cal's Sedrick Ellis and North Carolina's Kentwan Balmer. His team visits include the Dolphins and Buccaneers

"I have taken things more seriously since 2005," Sims said. "I've been through a lot of tests and interviews, but they are no different than applying for any job."

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/other/sfl-flspsims25sbapr25,0,4062409.story


Pat Sims -AU vs. UF 2006