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Simmons has an early leader

Malik Simmons is a two-way threat from Lehigh Acres (Fla.) Lehigh. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound athlete can play wide receiver or defensive back and is receiving a lot of interest from schools around the nation to become a part of their programs. At this point, two programs have stepped forth with an offer.
"USF and Western Kentucky have offered me," Simmons said. "USF was the first school to offer me."
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Simmons, who said he hasn't had significant contact with Western Kentucky, recently traveled to the University of South Florida on Monday to check out the Bulls.
"I saw a lot of good things with regards to the organization of the team," Simmons said. "I got to sit down and watch film with the defensive backs coach, Coach Rick Smith broke down the film and the way they play in coverage. He gave me a good understanding of how they play."
Smith shed some light on how Simmons fits into their defensive scheme.
"He said he likes me as a boundary corner," Simmons said. "He said I would be guarding the top wide receivers that they play against. It isn't like I would be guarding them one-on-one, because they play a zone."
Another coach that Simmons had an opportunity to speak with was head coach Skip Holtz.
"I spoke to him," Simmons said. "He introduced himself to me and I introduced myself to him. We talked for a little bit. He just told me that they would love to have me there. He also said that they are really interested in having me there. He also said that whatever choice I make my life depends on it and it is my future. He told me that USF would be a great place for me to go to and that their program is up-and-coming. He said they are building stuff and trying to make their team as good as it can be."
In addition to talking with the coaches, Simmons got to tour the facilities and roam amongst the current team members.
"I also got a chance to walk around the athletic buildings and see them," Simmons said. "I met a lot of players. It was good. I felt like I was at home."
Other schools showing interest in Simmons includes Alabama, Auburn, Ball State, Boston College, Duke, FAU, Florida State, Indiana, Iowa State, Kentucky, Miami, Middle Tennessee, Rutgers, TCU, Tennessee, West Virginia. At this point though, South Florida has established an early lead.
"Truthfully I am getting real comfortable with them and I like how their program is run," Simmons said. "USF is definitely at the top of my list."
In the coming weeks Simmons believes he will be visiting Miami as well as returning to South Florida for another visit.
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