Friday Q&A: Kansas RB James Sims

November, 16, 2012
Since returning from a three-game suspension to begin the season, no Big 12 back has been better than Kansas' James Sims. He's rushed for at least 100 yards in six consecutive games, and averages nearly five yards a carry. KU hasn't won a game in seven tries since Sims' return, but they've come close on a handful of occasions. Sims has helped make that happen.

He took some time this week to sit down with

How would you describe this season for you so far?

James Sims: It's been all right, but as far as us not winning games, I wish it had looked a little different.

[+] EnlargeJames Sims
Cal Sport Media via AP ImagesJames Sims and the Jayhawks will try to get their first conference win of the season against Iowa State.
What were you expecting of yourself coming into this season?

JS: I was expecting to be a big part of the offense. When I sat down with Coach Weis at the beginning, he told me I was going to be a big part of this offense, and that's going on right now.

What was the toughest part of having to sit out the first three games?

JS: Just not being out there with my team. I made a mistake, and I had to suffer the consequence for it. It was just tough on me, but it was the best thing for me.

How have you been able to have the kind of impact that you've had so far?

JS: I think it's because of my offensive linemen. They've been doing a good job of opening up the holes for me. They're doing a great job up front for me this past season.

Where have you grown most as a player since last year?

JS: Being more committed and more into it than just into my own thing or what not. I've become more patient as a runner and I see the holes better and reading my blocks better than I ever have before.

What's been the toughest part of coming so close these past few weeks to getting a win?

JS: It's been pretty tough. Close games, you always want to come out with a win. You always want to come out on that side, so it hurt. It's tough. But we just have to come back and practice and get better.

Your coach said this week that he felt like last week was the first time all season he didn't see a 'woe is me' attitude on the sideline. Why do you think you turned that corner in terms of your mindset?

JS: We just came together, you know? We wanted to finish the season off strong. We've gotten into conference and it hasn't been good for us. We've been close, but we've fell short. So, we've come together as a team and just been sure we want to close out the season strong.

What's got to happen for you to get over the hump and get a win?

JS: Us preparing each week in practice, taking it day by day and not taking plays off. Just giving it your all in everything.

Where has this team seen the most improvement from last year to this year?

JS: I would say more like finishing games after last year when we got down and that was it. We'd just give up. Now, we've had more fight in us, not giving up in the second half.

What's changed that's allowed you guys to do that?

JS: It's just changed the mindset of we can't lay down, whether the game is going good or going bad.

What's it going to be like if you can get that win?

JS: It's going to be great. We've waited for so long to get over the hump, it'll feel real good once we get over it.



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