Sims has the look of Duckett

Updated: September 26, 2002, 11:10 AM ET
By by Tom Lemming, ESPN.com football recruiting analyst | ESPN.com football recruiting analyst
I liken my No. 15 prospect -- RB/LB Ernie Sims (6-0, 225, 4.5) of Tallahassee (North Florida Christian), Fla. -- to Atlanta Falcons rookie and former Michigan State star T.J. Duckett. Like Duckett, who was my 1998 Defensive Player of the Year, Sims is immensely strong (360-pound bench-press) and quick, with the ability to both avoid blockers and run over tacklers.

He's one of the top three players in the state and one of its hardest hitters. He had 197 tackles, 14 sacks and 30 tackles for loss last season while rushing for 800 yards and 18 TDs, averaging about 10 yards per carry. On film, he's a sure tackler who rarely gets knocked off his feet, has outstanding body control and balance, and is unusually difficult for blockers to get a piece of because of his rare athletic ability and flexibility. He doesn't play against the best competition, but you can tell that he's a special player.

He has run a 10.7 100 meters, but that was when he weighed 190. Now, at 225, he probably runs between a 4.5 and 4.6 40, which is still great speed for that weight.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

SPONSORED HEADLINES

ESPN TOP HEADLINES

MOST SENT STORIES ON ESPN.COM

ALSO SEE