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Bucs get 'top receiving back in the draft' in third round

 
Charles Sims had 203 receptions in his career at the University of Houston and with the Mountaineers, including 70 as a freshman. He also rushed for 3,465 yards in his career.
Charles Sims had 203 receptions in his career at the University of Houston and with the Mountaineers, including 70 as a freshman. He also rushed for 3,465 yards in his career.
Published May 10, 2014

TAMPA -- Sure-handed running backs are hard to find, so the even though they were crowded at that position, the Bucs didn't hesitate to select West Virginia tailback Charles Sims with their third-round pick, 69th overall.

Sims had 203 receptions in his career at the University of Houston and with the Mountaineers, including 70 as a freshman. He also rushed for 3,465 yards in his career.

Sims will join a backfield that already includes Doug Martin, Mike James and Bobby Rainey -- all of whom gained more than 500 yards rushing last season. Both Martin (shoulder) and James (ankle) finished the season on injured reserve.

"Running back was a pretty strong position that we had,'' general manager Jason Licht said. "We still felt that way and feel that way but this one kind of stood out like the tight end did. We had a chance to get a back that had a versatile skill set and can score points for us. We didn't want to turn it down.

"Charles is a very explosive athlete. He brings us a back that not only has 4.46 speed as a runner, but also as a receiver. This guy is the top receiving back in the draft. I also feel like you can't have enough backs, especially when they have versatile skill sets.''