Oscar Smith QB exceeding expectations at elite camp

Oscar Smith quarterback Phillip Sims can't stop pinching himself.

It's not often that a high school quarterback gets invited to Hawaii to rub elbows, train and share knowledge with NFL quarterbacks.

But that's what Sims is doing this week. One of the nation's most highly regarded quarterbacks in the Class of 2010, Sims is in Hawaii for three days for the Steve Clarkson Quarterback Academy at the Grand Wailea Resort in Maui.

Sims, who orally committed to Alabama, got a chance to train with Clarkson, Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana and Arizona Cardinals QB and Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart. He's also listened to several lectures, including one from Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon.

"A lot of guys, when they see these guys on TV, say they wish they could meet them," Sims said by cell phone. "But to actually get an opportunity to meet these guys, work out with them and see how they became how good they are, it's weird. But you have to soak it all in because they are here to help you. It's definitely a blessing."

Clarkson, a former standout at San Jose State, is considered one of the premier quarterback coaches. He has tutored Leinart, Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger and Buffalo's J.P. Losman among others. He invited Sims because of what he and other coaches saw on film.

"I really liked Phillip's maturity," Clarkson said. "I thought he showed something a little bit more than other kids, therefore he's here."

Clarkson said Sims and the other quarterbacks have looked impressive in workouts, which have consisted of reading defenses, throwing mechanics, footwork and throwing the deep ball.

"Most of the kids have exceeded the expectations that I had of them, including Phillip," Clarkson said.

Some of the other quarterbacks invited included Montana's son, Nick, who committed to Washington, Blake Bell (Oklahoma), Barry Brunetti (West Virginia) and Austin Hinder (California).

Sims said he's enjoyed the experience, which ends today. He said the main thing that everybody talked about was life after football.

"They told us that football is only going to take you so far," he said. "If you are fortunate enough to make it to the NFL, you have to worry about what are you going to do after that. Most guys play until their late 20s or early 30s, so you have a long time ahead of you to live your life.

"I've heard this before, but now I'm hearing it from somebody who has been through it. "

Last season, Sims led Oscar Smith to the Group AAA Division 6 state title with a playoff-record six touchdowns. He also led South Hampton Roads during the regular season in passing yards (3,167) and touchdowns (38). He has 7,597 career passing yards and is on pace to be the state's all-time leader by the end of his senior season.

Sims is excited about the 2009 season, which includes an Aug. 28 game on ESPN. He said Tigers coach Richard Morgan understood why he skipped the team's off-season workouts to go to Hawaii.

"I told coach that I couldn't participate because I had to go to Hawaii," he said. "And he told me, 'You have to do what you have to do because if I had a chance to go to Hawaii, I wouldn't pass it up either."