Xadavien Sims Talks Commitment, Visit Plans

Oregon has been on an early summer run with 2024 commitments. And in many ways, it all started over Memorial Day weekend with 4-star defensive lineman Xadavien Sims from Durant High near Tulsa (Okla.).

The On3 Industry Ranking pegs the 6-foot-4, 270-pounder as the No. nation’s No. 363 rising senior its No. 37 defensive lineman. Sims told ScoopDuck that Oregon prevailed over some traditional powers in his region – and one surprise finalist from the Big Ten.

“I had an official visit to Michigan State that I canceled after my Oregon visit,” he said. “I had it scheduled for June 23.”

Sims said he will be in Eugene for the Saturday Night Live event July 29, and he’ll probably return to experience an Autzen Stadium game day Sept. 16 against Hawaii.

Thoughts on Oregon

“I love everything there. The players – they are there for me and the push me to be the best I can be.

“(Dan) Lanning is the best — how he can develop me. And I trust coach (Tony) Tuioti … when I went up there we talked.

“We just chopped it up today … to catch up and see how I’ve been.”

Keys to his commitment

“It was a matter of seeing myself somewhere. … (I want to) be the best athlete and taken care of.

“(Also, there’s) Nike in the background and the coaches, school. And it was a vibe.”

When he knew

“After my first visit to Oregon, I knew that was home. I’ve been everywhere, and there is no other place I wanna play but here.

“It helps with being with guys from Texas and Oklahoma.”

The Lanning factor

“I like everything about him. (He makes) sure you’re doing right, and the energy he brings and the coaches are the same – and they care about you.

“Helps having a head coach with a lot of energy and (who can) connect with you.”

Liking Lupoi

“Same way – (one of my) favorite guys and favorite coaches there. (He) he has been everywhere and knows how to develop a defense and how to build a defense.

“Coach Lanning helping out … speaks volumes.”

Taken with Tuioti

“Great connection with him. (One of the) best defensive line coaches and one of the best I spoke with.

“And he’s been doing it for a while and been at (Hawaii) and Nebraska.”

Players he’s recruiting

“Right now, just Justin Williams, I was recruiting (Kingston) Lopa.

“I’m tryna help build a top 5 class.”

Building camaraderie

“We do have a group chat. And with all the commits … we have a separate chat.

“Dylan Gresham is the funniest.”

Senior goals

“Lead my team in playoffs and have a dominant year. Twenty sacks and have high standards going into my college career.”

Off-season focus

“Working on my body to play both sides of the ball and defensive line. Movement and hands and getting violent.”

When he’ll enroll

“The winter. Major in business and finance.”

Message to the fans

“We got something great coming to Oregon. (I) see a Natty in the future.”