Commentary
Breaking down Jordan Simmons
The Encino (Calif.) Crespi offensive lineman is a welcome addition for USC
Updated: October 31, 2011, 11:53 AM ET
By
Kyle Williams | We Are SC
Having helped coach the offensive line this summer at the USC Nike Camp, I was able to see and work with Jordan Simmons one-on-one. At the end of the day, the coaches were given a scorecard where we were to rank our top five linemen of the camp. At the top of mine, like many of the other coaches, was Simmons.
Strengths
Simmons has the bulk and technique to play guard at the next level. At 6-foot-4 and 325 pounds, Simmons is bigger than most current offensive linemen in the Pac-12. He is playing tackle for his high school team, but he'll be moved down to guard at the next level. He's been dealing with smaller, speedier defensive ends and has been forced to develop quick feet because of that. Simmons has a good punch, but what stands out most about it is his patience when punching the defender. Most high school players -- and college players for that matter -- have difficulty timing their punch. They'll either punch early, forcing them to overextend, or they punch too late, allowing the defender to get into their bodies.
Simmons has the bulk and technique to play guard at the next level. At 6-foot-4 and 325 pounds, Simmons is bigger than most current offensive linemen in the Pac-12. He is playing tackle for his high school team, but he'll be moved down to guard at the next level. He's been dealing with smaller, speedier defensive ends and has been forced to develop quick feet because of that. Simmons has a good punch, but what stands out most about it is his patience when punching the defender. Most high school players -- and college players for that matter -- have difficulty timing their punch. They'll either punch early, forcing them to overextend, or they punch too late, allowing the defender to get into their bodies.
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- USC Trojans analyst
- Played offensive tackle at USC from 2002-06
- Joined ESPN.com in 2011
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