Joe Gaiter: Where did you grow up and how was your childhood?
Michael Sims: I was fortunate to grow up with a supportive family. I’m from the Westside of Detroit, MI and I grew up playing both football and basketball. Winning youth national championships in both sports with the Westside Cubs Football Organization and Detroit Elite Basketball.
Joe Gaiter: When did you fall in love with the sport of football?
Michael Sims: I started playing football at the age of 6. I fell in love with the sport almost instantly. I was 8 years old was when I first started playing Quarterback, my love for the position, and the sport continues to grow.
Joe Gaiter: What are your fondest memories at The University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy?
Michael Sims: I enjoyed my 4 years at U of D Jesuit. I was also a two-sport athlete in high school as well. In highschool, we won a state championship in basketball, and I was able to break the school’s single game passing record with 337 yards in my junior season.
Joe Gaiter: What made you want to go to Morehouse?
Michael Sims: Morehouse is a world-renowned institution filled with rich tradition and history. There have been many notable men to get their education there, and it’s a blessing to have the opportunity to follow in the same steps as such distinguished leaders.
Joe Gaiter: Was it hard to transition from backup QB to starting QB?
Michael Sims: The transition to be the starting QB wasn’t as hard for me because of the significant amount of playing time I earned my freshman year. I was able to start the last 2 games of my freshman season, so I was already given a small snippet of what to expect entering my sophomore year. I am committed to continuously improve my game.
Joe Gaiter: What were your stats this year?
Michael Sims: I had a pretty good sophomore season, but I am looking forward to next season and surpass my stats from this year. I had 2,059 Yards, 16 Touchdowns, 4 Interceptions, SIAC All-Conference Honors, 3rd in the SIAC Conference for Total Offense, SIAC Offensive Player of the Week Recipient, and Boxtorow National Player of the Week Recipient
Joe Gaiter: Morehouse was 7 – 3 this season. What can you do to improve next year?
Michael Sims: My role is to be a strong leader for the team. We started off hot with a 6-0 record; however, we finished 1-3. So, heading into to next season I believe if we finish strong and utilize our playmakers we can accomplish big things.
Joe Gaiter: What is in your mindset as walk on the field?
Michael Sims: When I walk on the field I’m focused on executing our game plan and dominating. As the Quarterback you can never get to high or too low no matter the situation, so I try and make sure I’m calm, level headed, and relaxed.
Joe Gaiter: What do you think about the competitiveness at HBCU sports?
Michael Sims: There is a lot of talent at HBCUs that honestly goes unnoticed. Each Saturday there’s always a team that’s ready to play with a lot of talented players ready to compete at a high level.
Joe Gaiter: Do you feel like quarterbacks get the credit they deserve on and off the field?
Michael Sims: Quarterbacks are the distributors and are responsible for making sure the other 10 players are on the same page. When things are good Quarterbacks receive all the praise, but when adversity hits, they can receive a large amount of criticism. It all comes with the position.
Joe Gaiter: Where will you be training during the offseason to take your talents to the next level?
Michael Sims: In the off-season I’ll be training with Devin Gardner’s (former University of Michigan Quarterback) Young Go Getters Inc., and also working with GDA (Generating Dominant Athletes).
Joe Gaiter: Is it hard being a student athlete?
Michael Sims: Being a student athlete is tough, but with hard work, time management and dedication it is manageable. I am also a Bonner-Scholar with academic and community service obligations. I work hard to balance them all effectively.
Joe Gaiter: What inspires you?
Michael Sims: My faith. Just to have the opportunity to play football at the collegiate level is a huge blessing. While there are thousands of kids across the country that aren’t able to play the sport or reach this level, I realize that this is a chance of a lifetime and I need to use my gifts from God as best I can to inspire those following after me and to show my appreciation for those who have always believed in me.
Joe Gaiter: What is your untold story?
Michael Sims: As the team Captain in my senior year of high school I, unfortunately, broke my ankle in the first quarter of our first game. I sat out for 8 weeks and later returned for the final 2 games. In late April of my senior year of High School, I visited Morehouse for the annual accepted students’ weekend that’s where I met Coach Freeman and Coach Williams. There wasn’t any scholarship money left because of how late in the year it was and signing day passed months before. So, I walked on to Morehouse and worked my way up to this point.
Joe Gaiter: What do you want your legacy to be?
Michael Sims: I want to be remembered as a scholar, well-respected, reliable, and hardworking man. I want to continue what we started last season by finishing strong, winning a conference championship, and reaching the National playoffs. Also, I want to be recognized as the best Quarterback to ever play at Morehouse College. With continued hard work I think I can become that guy.
