Sims changing the culture at Buster camp (Audio)

Garden City, KS (westernkansasnews.com)-Since taking over the program back in December, first-year Broncbuster football coach Jeff Sims has been running all over the place; literally.

So it’s to no one’s surprise during his first fall camp in Garden City that he expects the same from his players.

“It’s definitely a process,” Sims explained. “But these guys have to understand what we’re trying to do. And they’re getting better. They’ll get there.”

Attention to detail is Sims’ forte. It was that way at Fort Scott and the same way at Mesabi Range-especially since it was a non-scholarship program.

His approach circles around repetitions and lots of them. While Matt Miller’s conventional practice consisted of one-full group, Sims has gone a step further, splitting the first five days of fall camp into two teams, giving both an equal amount of reps.

“These guys have to get reps,” Sims said. “It’s that simple. That’s the only way they will get better.”

Plenty of competition a good thing at quarterback

During his time on the west coach, Garden City offensive coordinator Jason Brown learned a few things about playing quarterback.

After shattering every Junior College passing record in the Golden State, Brown moved to Hays, KS, where he obliterated single-season throwing records at Ft. Hays State.

His numbers landed him a spot in Chiefs training camp and then the Arena Football League. And all the while, Brown gained invaluable experience along the way.

“I’ve played at some of the highest levels,” Brown said following practice on Tuesday. “It’s given me a little perspective on things.”

So how about his current conundrum: figuring out who his starting quarterback will be in 16 days against Highland.

“I have some guys playing in the league right now, and I can honestly say this is the best eight group of guys I’ve been around,” Brown explained. “We’re going to have to make a really tough decision.”

Garden City’s job of cutting down more than 100 guys to the opening-day roster number of 63 seems like a daunting task. Especially considering most teams carry just two quarterbacks. So for the likes of Kevin Olsen, a Miami transfer with the California hair and the rocket arm; Western Kentucky transfer Todd Porter, a duel-threat gunslinger who’s just looking for a chance; Colorado State’s A.J. Cecil, who’s a lefty with a big-time arm and Jayru Campbell, who once committed to Michigan State, are all battling for one spot.

“That’s the toughest part about this job,” Brown added.

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