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I’m so excited that the Titans saw my potential. Now I’m ready to get on their field and show everyone that I can work. – LeShaun Sims
CEDAR CITY, Utah — The Tennessee Titans drafted Southern Utah University cornerback LeShaun Sims in the 5th round, the 157th overall pick during Saturday’s 2016 NFL draft. Sims is the second T-Bird to be drafted into the NFL in 2016. He follows Miles Killebrew (Detroit Lions), and James Cowser is expected to be selected by a pro team.
“I’m so excited that the Titans saw my potential,” Sims said. “Now I’m ready to get on their field and show everyone that I can work.”
During his time as a Thunderbird, Sims served as a shutdown corner who had eight interceptions and a bevy of pass breakups. He had a stellar year in his final season with two of those interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, and he had 10 pass breakups.
As a cornerback, Sims has been deemed a constant annoyance to receivers by draft experts, and at 6-foot and 200 pounds, he has a good build for the position. Sims improved on his NFL Combine numbers from February in both the broad jump and three-cone drill at the SUU Pro Day in March, and he was able to impress scouts in his field drills.
Sims is from Las Vegas and left Andre Agassi Prep as its first student to land a college scholarship, when former SUU football coach Ed Lamb noticed Sims’ potential.
“Coach Lamb saw a motor in me, a defensive back that doesn’t give up on plays,” Sims said. “I made a specific play in high school where I ran down the ball carrier, and coach Lamb told my dad that was the play that made him want to recruit me.”
For a cornerback, Sims was an effective tackler for the Thunderbirds, topping the team’s charts for tackles in his last three years. Playing a position that is not known for tackles, Sims finished sixth on the team in tackles his senior season.
“On behalf of everyone at SUU, I want to congratulate LeShaun on being drafted," new SUU head football coach Demario Warren said. "This is an amazing accomplishment, and he has put in the work to earn it. I wish him a long and healthy career with the Titans.”
During his time at SUU, Sims not only excelled on the football field, but also in the classroom. He graduated with a degree in physical education and human performance and believes his education helped prepare him for the NFL.
“My classes focused on how the body responds to sports performance,” Sims said. “I was able to take that knowledge and apply it to the field.”
Sims will most likely play the cornerback position for the Titans and could see some playing time on special teams. His first NFL action will be in a preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 20, against the Carolina Panthers.