RB Sims not returning to UH for senior season

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Running back Charles Sims said Wednesday he will not return to the University of Houston for his final season and is still exploring future options.

"It is with regret and deep humbling that I am ending my playing career at the University of Houston," Sims said in a statement released to Rivals.com. "I have a lot of great memories that I will carry with me forever."

Sims, the Cougars' leading rusher, said it is unclear what his next step will be but two possible options are to transfer to another school or enter the NFL supplemental draft.

As of late Wednesday, a UH spokesperson said Sims had not asked for his release from the school.

"We congratulate Charles on receiving his degree last week and becoming a Cougar for life," UH coach Tony Levine said in a statement. "He has been a leader for our program both on and off the field with a number of accomplishments."

UH said it would have no further comment.

Sims rushed for 851 yards and 11 touchdowns last season despite missing three games - most of three others - with leg and ankle injuries.

Running back Charles Sims rushed for a career-high 851 yards for the Cougars in 2012. Running back Charles Sims rushed for a career-high 851 yards for the Cougars in 2012. Photo: Nick De La Torre, Houston Chronicle Photo: Nick De La Torre, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close RB Sims not returning to UH for senior season 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

He received his degree in May and has one year of eligibility remaining.

Back in January, Sims and his family met with Levine and said after "serious consideration" he would bypass the NFL draft and return for his senior season.