Simms returns from Michigan State

With the uncertainty at Louisville, Ramsey (N.J.) Don Bosco Prep quarterback Matt Simms wanted to look around. This weekend the 6-foot-2, 200-pounder took his first official visit of the season to Michigan State.

"The trip went really well," he said. "I had a good time with the coaches, learned a lot about the program and school. I got there on Saturday afternoon and left on Monday.

"Over the couple days, I spent a lot of time with the coaches. They talked to me about the offense and I built a relationship there. On Sunday, I went to the basketball game against Illinois. That was a good experience. I got to see how much they love their sports. The atmosphere there was great, they were down 11 at halftime and came back to win by nine."

Simms was hosted on the trip by quarterback Brian Hoyer.

"He showed me a lot of the school," he said. "He talked about coach Dantonio too and said he's happy that he was there and the team has a lot of respect for him and think the program is headed in the right direction."

The three-star quarterback was able to talk to the entire coaching staff. Did anyone stand out?

"Really the whole staff stood out to me," he said. "I like how they've been working together for so long and know each other and have a good relationship. They seem like great people.

"I did get to talk to coach Dantonio one-on-one. It was good; he's definitely an upfront guy and was honest with me. It was really good to see that he cares about his players."

Simms rated the trip an eight or nine.

"Really it was just a great all-around visit," he said. "It went really well and looking back there was nothing bad to say about it."

The No. 13 pro-style quarterback in the country believes Michigan State is one of three finalists for his services.

"Right now with the Louisville coaching change, I'm still on the verge of trying to build a relationship with them," he said. "I am talking to coach Brohm and it's big that he's still there because he recruited me from the start. At this time, I think everyone is on an even playing field."

Simms is looking at scheduling visits to Louisville and North Carolina State in the near future.

"I'm trying to work on a trip to Louisville in the next week or so," he said. "As for North Carolina State, Tom O'Brien is there and they want me to come down for a visit. I'm looking into it. I want to see what else is out there and take my time to see the situation at different schools."