Friday, June 21, 2013

Dolphins' Sims sheds 20 pounds in move to NFL

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Dion Sims's 280-plus-pound frame was just what the doctor ordered in Michigan State's run-heavy offense a season ago.

In preparing for the NFL, the young tight end was prescribed a loss of weight.

Sims, who was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the fourth round in April, is down to a listed 262 pounds. Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland said Sims's discipline "intrigued" the team this spring, and the former Spartan is determined to maintain his size in order to fit the mold of a pro.

“Listening to a lot of guys that play at the next level and just watching most of the tight end at the next level, none of them are really above 280, or 275,” Sims told MiamiDolphins.com. “Most of them are in the 260-250 range. So I just felt it was important for me to get down if I wanted to make an impact at this level.

“I dedicated my time to get ready for the next level pretty much after the offseason and training for the combine. It was just a matter of putting in hard work and just staying dedicated and getting my weight to where it needed to be so I can be active.”

Sims was undoubtedly drafted to bolster the run-blocking aspect of the Dolphins' tight end corps. Depth chart-topper Dustin Keller is a good pass-catcher and a solid route-runner, but he isn't known as a force in the run game.

Sims, however, will get some opportunities to be part of Miami's air attack. He hauled in 36 catches for 475 yards and a pair of touchdowns last season.

“Playing tight end, you have to be able to do both, run and block," Sims said. "That’s the main thing I really have to focus on, my all-around game. My main thing is route-running and speed and separation.”

With Keller on a one-year contract, Sims could give the Dolphins a handful of options next offseason if he bursts out of the gate in his rookie year.

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