Simmons leans toward announcement
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SAN ANTONIO - McKeesport (Pa.) defensive tackle Delvon Simmons is very close to making his final college selection and may be ready to announce his choice during the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Saturday. As of Sunday, the 6-foot-5, 265-pound prospect was leaning toward announcing.
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"I'm 80 percent," Simmons said. "I think I have seen enough schools to put it in perspective and compare everything. I think a couple coaches wanted to stop by to see my aunt when I wasn't there this week, but it's pretty much what I want."
Oregon, Florida and Texas Tech are the three finalists. He has visited the Ducks and Red Raiders, but has yet to see Gainesville.
"I was supposed to take one to Florida, but I'm still thinking about that," Simmons said. "If I do decide to go on that Florida visit, I won't commit down here."
Simmons was unsure of his offer status with the Gators following Urban Meyer's decision to step down as head coach at Florida. He has clarified that with new head coach Will Muschamp.
Oregon hosted Simmons for an official visit the weekend of Nov. 5 and he was at Texas Tech the weekend of Dec. 17. Official visits to Rutgers (Sept. 25) and Iowa (Oct. 22) were also taken.
Simmons could play strongside defensive end or a three-technique defensive tackle in college. He expects to line up on the interior in Saturday's All-American Bowl. What Simmons did not expect was the size and scope of the Army Bowl, which he experienced upon his arrival in San Antonio.
"It is just, 'Wow, I can't believe I am here,' " Simmons said. "I didn't know it was this big until I got here, saw all the banners and signed about 300 autographs.
"It gets the juices flowing. The only nervous part is seeing all the competition, but I'm not worried about that too much. I think they are looking at me like I am looking at them - a big guy who can probably move and do all the things I can do. I'm just going to go out there and play the best I can."
Simmons is ranked as the No. 165 player in the country, the No. 15 defensive tackle prospect and the No. 4 overall player in the state of Pennsylvania for the 2011 class.
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