One of the premier high school football players in Minnesota has orally committed Thursday to play for the Gophers next season.
Dominique Sims — a standout at Minneapolis’ DeLaSalle High School — was named Minnesota’s 1999 Associated Press football player of the year.
The all-state Sims, who runs the 40 in 4.6 seconds, played safety, quarterback, running back and was a kick returner for the Islanders.
For the Gophers, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound Sims should contend for a starting job at safety next season.
National recruiting expert Tom Lemming ranks Sims 80th on his top 100 list of players throughout the nation. Sims is the only Minnesotan on the list.
Lemming calls Sims “a leader on the field, with great athletic ability.”
Earlier this month Sims narrowed his college choices to Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern and Colorado.
After making his official visit to Colorado last weekend, it appeared Sims was deciding between the Buffaloes and the Gophers.
He ended all suspense yesterday.
Coach Tony Johnson told Midwest Sports Channel two major factors contributed to Sims’ decision to commit to Minnesota.
First, the desire to stay at home and play in front of family and friends; and second, the improvement of the Minnesota program under coach Glen Mason. Mason took the Gophers to an 8-4 record and their first bowl appearance in 13 seasons last year.
Because of NCAA regulations, Mason cannot comment on Sims until the official signing period begins next week.

John R. Carter welcomes comments at [email protected].