Sims’ career day puts him atop list

By Staff     Nov 16, 2013

**1. James Sims:** Had the two longest rushes of the season for KU and both came in the second quarter, the first for 62 yards, the second for a career-long 68-yard gain. He rushed for 211 yards and three touchdowns and averaged 9.6 yards a carry. Any KU football fan has to feel good for the guy reading this post-game quote from him: “It felt amazing looking up at the scoreboard and us on top and them down. It’s a wonderful feeling.”

**2. Ben Goodman:** Intercepted Paul Millard’s pass at the line of scrimmage and returned it 54 yards before being knocked out of bounds by Millard. Also had six solo tackles, two for losses, one a sack. He said it was the longest he ever carried a football in a game and he received great deal of ribbing from teammates and coaches for being caught from behind by a quarterback. He never enjoyed being mocked so much in his life.

**3. Montell Cozart:** Did a magnificent job of managing the game for a true freshman. Rushing the ball, he gained 69 yards and lost nine for a net of 60 on 13 carries. His presence did more to aid the rushing game than those numbers suggest. When he’s in the game, everybody else runs better because the defense has to account for him as a threat. He was in the game from start to finish and never turned it over.

**4. JaCorey Shepherd:** The ever-improving cornerback broke up three passes and had three tackles in another active day.

**5. Ben Heeney:** Intercepted a pass and returned it 28 yards to about the goal line. After the game, Charlie Weis said that once he saw the replay he wished he had challenged the play because he thought it looked as if Heeney scored. Heeney looked smooth weaving through traffic and it must have felt a bit like his days as a great running back for Hutchinson High.

**6. Cassius Sendish:** Led team with 11 tackles, 10 of the solo variety. Not flashy by the standards of defensive backs, he’s a solid football player and hits hard.

**7. Riley Spencer:** His return to health and insertion into the starting lineup at left tackle has given KU a more physical presence, especially in the running game.

**8. Ngalu Fusimalohi:** KU’s most physical blocker isn’t very athletic, but he’s mean and strong and had a nice day opening holes for Sims.

**9. Gavin Howard:** The center who has made at least one start at all five offensive-line positions has had a part in the team improving its running game late in the season.

**10. Michael Reynolds:** Contributed seven tackles, one for a loss, a pass break-up and a quarterback hurry.

*Season Standings*
1. James Sims (58 points)
2. Ben Heeney (54 points
3. Tony Pierson (41 points)
4. JaCorey Shepherd (40 points)
5. Keon Stowers (29 points)
6. Victor Simmons (28 points)
7. Darrian Miller (27 points)
8. Trevor Pardula (26 points)
9. Michael Reynolds (25 points)
10. Isaiah Johnson (21 points)
11. Cassius Sendish (16 points)
T12. Josh Ford (15 points)
T12. Jake Love (15 points)
T12. Rodriguez Coleman (15 points)
T15. Matthew Wyman (14 points)
T15. Dexter McDonald (14 points)
T15. Andrew Turzilli (14 points)
T18. Brandon Bourbon (13 points)
T18. Keba Agostinho (13 points)
T20. Connor Embree (12 points)
T20. Montell Cozart (12 points)
T22. Dexter Linton (9 points)
T22. Ben Goodman (9 points)
T24. Courtney Arnick (5 points)
T24. Jake Heaps (5 points)
T26. Jimmay Mundine (4 points)
T26. Kevin Young (4 points)
T26. Riley Spencer (4 points)
T29. Damon Martin (3 points)
T29. Ngalu Fusimalohi (3 points)
31. Gavin Howard (2 points)

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