Get to Know A.J. Simmons
By Craig HaubertMost recruits have an idea what position they'd like to play in college. Oakland, Calif., product A.J. Simmons just loves contact.
"On offense, I love pancaking guys from the tight end position. On defense, I love sacking the quarterback," says Simmons.
The Bishop O'Dowd star is a highly sought after prospect as both a tight end and defensive end. He says the attention from recruiters is pretty split between the two positions and that his approach is pretty open at this point.
"I don't have a preference really, I will play where ever I am needed," he said.
It is no wonder college programs are very interested in this talented and physical athlete. As a defensive end, he considers himself a bull-rushing type end who reads an offensive tackle's pad level and footwork to try and get an advantage. On offense, he enjoys catching the ball but really likes blocking and dominating defenders. While his junior season garnered him a lot of attention, he is continually working to improve.
"On offense, I feel my blocking has improved from last year as I am more consistent and get better hand placement, but on defense I need to use better technique and develop more pass rush moves," Simmons said.
As the position he plays is not a deal breaker, he is focusing on things like facilities and coaching staffs on his visits to help determine where he will go. He would like to play early but realizes there might be a better scenario for him.
"I want to play as a freshman, but I am willing to wait. It would be good to go somewhere where a senior is ahead of me to learn from him for a year."
He has narrowed his choices down to six schools, in no particular order: Cal, USC, Oregon, UCLA, Arizona and Utah. He has not taken any officials yet but has one set up for Oct. 22 at Arizona and is in the process of setting up visits with Utah and Oregon. Though the recruiting process can be a maddening time for a high school senior, Simmons has someone in the family to turn to for questions -- his cousin is Oregon backup QB Dennis Dixon. While Dixon is in his younger cousin's ear about becoming a Duck, he has offered him some advice that Simmons is heeding.
"He told me not to rush my decision and to make sure I'm comfortable at the college I choose and that I feel I can help," Simmons said.
While Simmons' cousin is someone he can turn to, his parents and a close uncle will be the ones to help him make his decision when the time comes. When Simmons chooses his college, the real battle will begin between the offensive and defensive coaches deciding which side of the ball he'll be on.
Simmons Q&A
Scouts Inc.: What is your favorite NFL team?
A.J. Simmons: Dallas Cowboys.
Scouts Inc.: Favorite football player?
Simmons: Alge Crumpler. He is a physical tight end and also a playmaker and a go-to guy.
Scouts Inc.: Do you have a pregame ritual?
Simmons: Listening to rapper Lil' Wayne.
Scouts Inc.: What are your goals for your senior season?
Simmons: To win another 2A NCS [North Coast Section] championship. We won it all last year. Personally, to get better, faster and stronger.
Scouts Inc.: Favorite practice drill?
Simmons: The LSU Drill. It's a drill with a defensive lineman, an offensive lineman and a running back. It is a one-on-one type drill.
Scouts Inc.: Favorite subject?
Simmons: Math, I like numbers. I'd like to study business accounting in college.
Scouts Inc.: Super Bowl XL prediction?
Simmons: Eagles over Patriots.
Craig Haubert is a recruiting coordinator for Scouts Inc.
