Pac-10 powers nab two more locals

Spencer Patterson

Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2001 | 10:04 a.m.

Colleges were still coming after Dyante Perkins and James Sims, many offering them full scholarships or the chance to visit their campuses.

But in the end, the opportunity to play for top 5 programs coming off BCS victories was too much for the local prep football standouts to pass up.

Bishop Gorman's Perkins has given a verbal commitment to Oregon State, where he will join Eldorado's Steven Jackson, the area's leading rusher, next fall. The Beavers finished the year 11-1 and ranked No. 4 in the AP rankings, their final win a Fiesta Bowl victory over Notre Dame.

And, Valley's James Sims verbally committed to attend Washington, where he will play football and triple jump for the school's track and field squad. The Huskies also went 11-1 in 2000, earning a No. 3 AP ranking with a Rose Bowl win over Purdue.

"I watched the whole (bowl) game and that was big," Perkins said. "When I saw 40,000 people come down (to Tempe, Ariz.) from Oregon State, that was probably the final straw for my decision."

Offered Sims, "During my visit, I walked onto the football field and they were practicing for the Rose Bowl. That made a big impression on me."

The 6-1, 220-pound Perkins is expected to play outside linebacker and punt for the Beavers. At Gorman, he started at quarterback and safety and handled punting duties, earning Sun first-team all-state honors at quarterback after rushing for 1,528 yards and 20 touchdowns and passing for 669 yards and eight scores.

"They said their outside linebacker plays like a safety, so it's kind of like what I ran on our high school (defense)," Perkins said.

Added Gaels coach Roger Whalen, "I thought he became a great offensive player this year, and I'd love to see him on that side of the ball. But he's got good instincts and he's smart, so I know he'll do a good job as a full-time defensive player."

Perkins attended a camp at Oregon State last summer and visited the Corvallis campus again in November, this time with Jackson.

"I liked the campus and the atmosphere there," Perkins said. "And Steven and I have become friends, so I'll already know somebody there."

Perkins also visited Arizona and was scheduled to take an official trip to UNLV. But the Gorman standout said Monday his decision to play for Oregon State is final.

"I was thinking about going to UNLV, but I decided I need to get away, get out of town," Perkins said.

Perkins becomes the fourth local player to commit to Oregon State in three years, following Jackson, Las Vegas High product Jon Pollard ('00) and Chaparral graduate Richard Seigler ('99). Seigler started for the Beavers this year, while Pollard redshirted his freshman campaign.

Sims, a 6-2, 180-pounder, started both ways for the Vikings this year. racking up 1,756 yards and 17 touchdowns on 207 carries as the team's primary ball carrier and making 56 tackles. After the season, he was named to the coaches' all-conference first team and the Sun's all-state first team as a defensive back.

The defending 4A state champion in the triple jump, Sims originally considered accepting a track scholarship to Notre Dame. But the Fighting Irish did not offer him the chance to play football as well, while Washington coach Rick Neuheisel jumped at the opportunity to recruit Sims.

"Coach Neuheisel called me several times, and James was one of the top guys they wanted," Valley coach Greg Sellers said. "They put a lot of time and effort into recruiting him."

Sims is expected to play free safety for the Huskies. He started the 2000 season at the position before moving to cornerback later in the year.

Valley's student body president with a 4.0 grade-point average, Sims said he chose Washington as much for its academic reputation and its location as for its athletic success.

"First of all, Seattle is a beautiful place. It's a combination of a city-type school near a lake and a forest, all in one," Sims said. "Second, I want to go to law school, and Washington has a really good pre-law program."

Sims said that Notre Dame is still pursuing him in hopes that he will change his mind by Feb. 7, the first day players can sign with colleges.

"They're still calling, but more than likely I will be attending the University of Washington," Sims said.

A third local product, Bryan Savelio, committed to Florida last week and enrolled at the Gainesville university today.

A 1998 Basic graduate, the 6-3, 290-pound Savelio spent the past three years (one a medical redshirt) at Mesa (Ariz.) Community College, starring at defensive tackle. He has two years of eligibility remaining.

"I'm happy for him because he's one of those kids that's always persevered," Basic coach Cliff Frazier said.