When former Virginia starting quarterback Michael Rocco announced he was transferring down a level to Richmond to play for his uncle, it was another sign to what was already assumed by many: that Alabama transfer Phillip Sims was the future starter for the Cavaliers.
That could still very well be the case, but as of UVA’s pre-spring depth chart , it isn’t. Sims was listed as the third-string QB behind David Watford and redshirt freshman Greyson Lambert.
When asked if he felt like he was able to be himself on the field despite this, Sims said no.
“It really looks like it’s headed in the opposite direction,” Sims said, “but…I’m here to play football, man. Nobody wants to hear the excuses about what’s going on with this, or how is this going, so – hey, if I can’t be me, I’ve got to be as close as I can be.”
Sims, who will be a redshirt junior in 2013 and started four games last year, added that he felt like he’s had a good offseason and that he doesn’t know why the depth chart is ordered the way it is. It doesn’t sound like he’s making any excuses though, and that’s good to hear.
Consider the fact that Sims, along with the rest of the QB group, is learning a new set of terminology from recently hired offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild. Per the Daily Press, Fairchild is Sims’ fifth different OC in as many years dating back to his high school days. That’s difficult for any QB, whether they’re a walk-on or a highly touted signal caller like Sims was coming out of high school in 2010 when he signed with the Tide.
It’s a long offseason though. With a little continuity, maybe Sims will have a better chance to settle in.