Jeff Sims humbled to earn single-digit jersey number

Matt Rhule is making a new tradition at Nebraska, where single-digit jersey numbers are reserved for players who are highly thought of within the program. As a recipient of one of the first batches of single-digit numbers, quarterback Jeff Sims was humbled.

A transfer from Georgia Tech this offseason, Sims wasn’t necessarily expecting his teammates to have trusted him so quickly. But he was honored to have earned it.

“It was definitely cool. I was honored. Just to be one of the first guys voted and I think when you just transfer to a school and your teammates think that highly of you, it says something about you. And I was just really honored and humbled for it. And I appreciate those guys,” Sims said.

Sims will wear No. 7 for Nebraska this season.

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Along with Sims, wide receiver Billy Kemp will wear No. 1, defensive back Isaac Gifford will be No. 2 and linebacker Luke Reimer will don No. 4. 

Sims and all the quarterbacks have impressed Rhule

Thus far during fall camp, Rhule has liked what he’s seen from all his quarterbacks, as he shared what’s stood out about that room on Tuesday.

“I think the quarterbacks are playing really well,” Rhule said. “Jeff has done a really good job, he’s understanding situationally what we want from him. Chubba [Purdy] has made huge leaps in my opinion. I thought he had a great summer, I think he’s having a really good camp, I’m really proud of Chubba. We came to him and challenged him in the spring and he’s done nothing but respond. It’s a credit to him and his family that a lot of kids now a days run and hide and Chubba’s took everything head on. And Heinrich [Haarberg] continues to grow and develop, so all three guys we have confidence in.”

Sims is the leader of the clubhouse, representing Nebraska at Big Ten Media Days this year following an impressive three-year stint at Georgia Tech where he threw for 4,464 yards and 30 touchdowns and rushed for 1,166 yards and 11 touchdowns.

But Purdy, who joined the team last offseason from Florida State, has impressed Rhule so far during fall camp with his ability to show growth from spring practices to right now.

“John Wooden used to say be quick but don’t hurry, and sometimes Chubba would play in the spring really quick, and fast, and jumpy, and trying to be perfect. A lot of times quarterbacks every play they’re trying to show how good they are instead of playing the play and to me Chubba’s just slowed down,” Rhule said.