Expectations for Calvin Ridley, Robert Foster and Jerry Jeudy are simple: catch passes, frustrate defensive backs and score touchdowns. He has not been 100 percent healthy in the last two years, but now Cam Sims is prepared to leave a huge contribution this season as a senior.
According to Alabama’s projected depth chart, Sims is listed as one of three starters at wide receiver – lining up in the H-position or the slot.
While Julio Jones stands as the most recent successful, physical specimen for the Crimson Tide at the position, Sims can make a case for himself to be a fan favorite with a productive showing in this week’s matchup.
Crimson Spotlight: Cam Sims
Position: Wide receiver
Number: #17
Classification: Senior
Height: 6-5
Weight: 214 pounds
2016 stats: 14 catches, 152 yards
Summary
Even after having both knee and shoulder problems last seasons, Sims turned in quality numbers with 14 receptions for 152 receiving yards through 15 games.
His performances against Kent State and Chattanooga were career-highs, hauling in four catches in both meetings.
Sims’ output of four receptions for 34 yards versus the Mocs earned him Offensive Player of the Week honors from Alabama’s coaching staff.
Before signing in the Tide’s 2014 class with Cam Robinson and Hootie Jones (from Louisiana), Sims was a consensus four-star recruit and the nation’s eighth-best wide receiver via ESPN during his time at Ouachita Parrish High School.
He grabbed 39 passes as a junior in 2012 for 948 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, en route to winning Louisiana Sports Writers Association 5A All-State honorable mention in 2012-13.
The Monroe, La., native saw action in 12 games in 2014 – bringing in seven passes from quarterback Blake Sims for 62 yards and a touchdown. A serious knee injury in fall camp limited the talented wide out in the following year; however, he ended 2016 being fifth in receptions.
Now at 6-foot-5 and 214 pounds, Sims has the hands, physicality and speed to make an impact whether as a deep threat or in the slot. Both Calvin Ridley and tight end Hale Hentges expect a monster season from Sims.
In the Tide’s open practice this month, Hentges told yours truly of Touchdown Alabama Magazine that Sims ‘brings much to the table’ as far as athleticism goes.
“He’s really fast and he’s a great blocker,” Hentges said. “I think he’s going to do great things at the slot position and hopefully he continues to develop so that we can use him a lot this season.”
When I approached Sims about his mindset for this year, he gave me one word.
“Produce,” he said with a smile. “I just want to help the team out anyway I can.”
A healthy Sims makes this roster of receivers all the more deadly, due to his ability to stretch the field, make catches in traffic and direct attention away from Ridley – should he really take off.
2017 projected stats
30 catches
400 receiving yards
13.3 yards per catch
5 touchdowns
Read more on Crimson Spotlight:
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
