FAYETTEVILLE — A Russellville two-way player committed to Arkansas on Sunday.
Colton Sims, a right-handed pitcher and third baseman, committed shortly after attending a prospects camp at Baum Stadium.
Sims is the second in-state high school freshman to commit to the Razorbacks in as many weekends. Easton Swofford, a pitcher/infielder from Southside Bee Brach, committed last Saturday.
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"It was exciting, breathtaking," Sims said of the moment he received the offer from Arkansas pitching coach Wes Johnson.
Sims (6-0, 136 pounds) had a fastball clocked at 86 mph this weekend, said Chase Brewster, his summer coach with the Arkansas Sticks. Sims also throws a slider, curveball and changeup with a heavy sinking action.
Two weeks ago Sims played in the NEXTGEN All-American Game at Vanderbilt's home stadium, a showcase for players 14 and under. He was the most valuable pitcher at Perfect Game's Memorial Day Tournament in May.
"He was one of our two or three best arms last year as an eighth grader," Brewster said. "His velocity and stuff is just getting better as he gets bigger.
"It's incredible to watch a guy that doesn't try to blow it by you, but just tries to pitch. That's what he did at the Razorback camp. He put on a show and threw all four pitches for a strike, and showed that he belong and might be the best pitcher in the class so far."
Brewster said Sims is a good left-handed hitter and might be able to play both ways in college.
"He's going to have his chance to do whatever he wants, but he's definitely a pitcher first that is going to throw a lot of innings for you," Brewster said.
Sims is the Sticks' 18th player to commit to the Razorbacks in the last three years.
Verbal commitments are not binding.