OLSM's Sims commits to MSU

Premier tight end chooses Spartans over other top programs

By KEITH DUNLAP Of The Oakland Press

ORCHARD LAKE--Michigan State's football program already had a consensus top-15 recruiting class nationally for 2009, but it's even more acclaimed now with the commitment of a local standout.

Orchard Lake St. Mary's senior Dion Sims, a four-star prospect and the nation's No. 7 tight end according to rivals.com, committed to the Spartans late Tuesday night.

Sims chose MSU over Miami (Fla.) and a host of other powerhouse programs around the country which coveted the speed and size of the 6-foot-6, 235-pound Sims.

It took Sims until January to take his first official visit to Michigan State, but once he did last week, it made quite an impression on him.

"Everything went pretty smoothly," Sims said. "The whole coaching staff made me feel welcome. They showed me how they'd use me and said how important I was to them. They expressed how much they wanted me."

The commitment of Sims adds to what already is a jewel of a class MSU head coach Mark Dantonio expects to officially sign on Feb. 4, which is national signing day for football players around the country.

MSU has received commitments from seven of the state's top 10 players according to rivals.com.

While in East Lansing, Sims also met with a couple of professors to discuss academic options and has already had discussions about playing basketball for Tom Izzo as well.

Sims said he'll plan on going out for the basketball team to see what kind of role he could play once football season ends in the fall.

Even though he sacrificed some warm weather by choosing the Spartans over the Hurricanes, Sims said staying close to home will have its rewards.

Not only will his family have an easier time traveling to his games, but Sims said his mother promised to pay for a spring break trip to Miami now that he has committed to MSU.

"I don't know if I'd get home sick or not," Sims said. "But I decided to stay on the safe side."

Sims spent most of this past football season inactive after suffering a sprained knee in the first game of the season at East Grand Rapids.

He returned late and played sparingly against Birmingham Brother Rice in the last game of the season for St. Mary's at the Catholic League Prep Bowl.

Sims is just about recovered from that injury and is starring for the St. Mary's basketball team, coming off a 33-point, 12-rebound performance against Birmingham Brother Rice on Tuesday.

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