As the new Class of 2024 rankings are released, Durant (Okla.) four-star defensive end Sims Xadavian put a firm grip around the No. 1 spot in Oklahoma State with its entry into the top 75 nationally.
His performance during his junior season has schools across the country in close contact as Oklahoma, Michigan, state of michigan, miami, Oregon, Georgia Technology, Texas, calAnd Vandy are just a few of the programs Sims has committed to in recent weeks.
Sims is fresh off an unofficial visit to Oklahoma on Jan. 28 for the Sooners Junior Day where he was able to connect more deeply with Brent Venables and defensive line coach Todd Bates as the Sooners continue their quest to keep the Sims within state lines.
“They’ve kept it real since my sophomore year when Coach Bates proposed to me,” Sims said. “We’ve always had a great relationship, he recruited me well. Coach Venables hits me a lot and it’s important for me to keep that constant relationship with the head coach.”
Michigan State was another major contender due to its relationship with Mel Tucker and pass rush specialist Brandon Tucker as well as his connection to the 2023 four-star signee Bai Jobe.
“Coach Tucker is a great guy and he has a great program,” he said. “Coach BT is one of the best pass rush coaches in the country. He can develop me to take me to the next level.”
Along with Michigan State, Michigan is a program Sims will travel to this spring as he explores his Big Ten options.
“They’re a strong team and have had a lot of success recently,” Sims said of the Wolverines. “It’s a great program that I would definitely see myself playing in.”
Oregon took a trip to Oklahoma to see the Sims during the January contact period, and the Sims plan to return the favor with a trip to Eugene on April 21.
“They came here to see me before the dead period,” he said. “I’m going to get up there on April 21 and hit Oregon.”
The Sims will also see Miami this spring as a defensive ends coach Rod Wright was able to impose itself in its recruitment.
“It’s a great school,” he said. “I talk to Coach Rod. It’s a great relationship. I’m excited to go out and have a good time.”
As for his engagement plans, Sims plans to make his official visits starting in the summer before making a decision after seeing everything he wants to see.
“I will definitely take those OVs and after those OVs I will look at my roster and decide where I will fit best and where I will go,” he said.
TOS is the only program that Sims knows he will be making an official visit to as he travels to Fort Worth on June 8 or June 15.
“My uncle played there,” Sims said. “My family are big TCU fans and I love the school. I went there quite a bit. It’s a good game experience and it’s close to my home. Coach McFarland is one of my favorite coaches, he’s a real dude. They’ve also just had a great season.”
At 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds, Sims is ranked the nation’s 74th freshman for the Class of 2024, according to Rivals. He is Oklahoma State’s No. 1 prospect and the nation’s No. 8 strong defensive end.