Sims commits to MSU

Orchard Lake St. Mary's standout will play football, hopes to also play hoops.

Tom Markowski / The Detroit News

ORCHARD LAKE--Dion Sims, a 6-foot-6, 230-pound receiver and linebacker from Orchard Lake St. Mary's, committed to Michigan State to play football on Tuesday. Sims made a visit to MSU this past weekend and cancelled an official visit to Miami (Fla.) by making his decision.

"It's the best decision for me and my family," Sims said. "It was a tough decision. I had a great visit there. I liked the facilities and the fact that coach (Tom) Izzo left the door open for me."

Before the start of the football season Sims said he would pursue a basketball scholarship but since changed his mind. He still hopes to play both in college, given the opportunity.

"He wants a chance to play both sports," St. Mary's football and basketball coach George Porritt said. "In the first year or two he's going to see what he can do."

Sims is football coach Mark Dantonio's latest commitment for the program's 2009 recruiting class. National signing day is Feb. 4

"I didn't have that many options for basketball," he said. "Football is my upside. My future is better with football."

Eric Lacy contributed to this report.

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