It took Jordan Simmons more than a decade to decide to don shoulder pads and first step onto a football field. It took him less than two years to become one of the most recognizable and highly recruited offensive linemen in the country.

At first glance, it's difficult to imagine Simmons playing any sport other than football through his childhood. Standing 6-foot-5 and 325 pounds, his options for athletics seem to be limited to playing either right guard or left guard. But basketball was his first and only love, until his freshman season at Dorsey High School. Only then did it cross his mind to give football a shot.

"I wanted to try something new, I guess," Simmons said with a shrug.

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Erik McKinney | email

Reporter, RecruitingNation

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• Covers recruiting in the West
• Joined ESPN in 2009