Xadavien Sims, the prominent Durant football player, had initially planned on committing to the University of Oklahoma (OU) earlier this year, despite not being a native Oklahoman, having played in Denison, Texas before his junior year. Xadavien Sims commits to Oregon.
Sims, a highly sought-after four-star recruit and one of the country’s top defensive lineman prospects for the 2024 class, had a change of heart following a visit to the University of Oregon.
The moment Sims set foot on Oregon’s campus, his affinity for OU began to diminish. “As soon as I stepped on campus, it felt right to me,” Sims revealed. His enchantment with Oregon was such that by Saturday, he was ready to publicly express his intention to join the Oregon Ducks.
The announcement was made amidst a circle of family and friends during the C4 Sports Performance pro day. Sims, given a range of hats that represented various schools including OU, Michigan State, TCU, and Vanderbilt, chose Oregon. The visit to Eugene had convinced him that Oregon was the ideal place for him.
“As soon as we got done taking pictures, I knew that’s where I wanted to be, that’s where I wanted to play,” he shared.
Sims admitted he almost canceled his trip to Oregon, as he believed he was firmly committed to OU. Xadavien Sims commits to Oregon.
“So it was really a big flip in my head for me. I was this close to canceling the trip to Oregon and staying here to go to OU’s spring game because I felt like I was already locked in with OU.”
Sims’ recruitment journey was as intense as it was mercurial, with the first scholarship offer arriving during his freshman year spring from Arkansas. “Before Oregon, it was really a OU and TCU race,” he noted.
He has familial ties to TCU, making it a prominent choice for him, but was also once close to committing to Michigan State. He described the recruitment process as a “roller coaster” but expressed happiness about his ultimate choice. “But I’m glad I’m here now and ready to be a Duck.”
While appreciative of the interest he garnered, Sims also admitted that the process was, at times, exhausting.
“I’m really relieved that it’s over,” he said. “Talking to coaches every single day and all the time them wanting to get on the phone with you and stuff like that. I mean, it’s like having 10 girlfriends at one time. They all want your time and attention.”
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