Improved academics helping Simon

St. Petersburg (Fla.) Gibbs athlete Gary Simon recently earned a qualifying test score and has seen a marked improvement in the classroom as well. That improvement off the field, has improved his opportunities on it.

"Some of the new schools are Purdue, Ohio State, and Ohio, they have all offered me recently," Simon said. "I am also getting interest from Florida State and Florida. There are others as well."

In total, the 6-foot-1, 185-pound prospect holds offers from Ball State, Bethune-Cookman, Cincinnati, Eastern Michigan, Georgia Southern, Iowa State, Jacksonville State, Marshall, Middle Tennessee, Ohio, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Purdue, Rutgers, South Alabama, South Florida, Toledo, Washington State, and Western Kentucky.

At this time, the three-star prospect has yet to see any of those schools up-close and personal.

"I haven't taken any visits yet," Simon said. "I haven't scheduled anything yet, probably later, but I don't know yet. I know I want to visit probably Florida State, Ohio State, and Miami. That is all I know right now."

Most of the schools are interested in Simon as a cornerback who could also contribute at safety. He is also being looked at as a return man on special teams.

Simon said that his decision likely won't come until after his senior season on the field has concluded. At this time, nobody can claim his top spot.

"I don't have a leader right now," Simon said. "I want somewhere that I can get a good education and play early on. That is really what I am looking for."

In addition to football, Simon is also a basketball player and has received some lower-level college interest on the court.