Simonds impressed Saban, earned Alabama offer
The first time Riley Simonds visited Alabama was June 17th. He saw his close friend, teammate Harry Miller pick up an offer from the Crimson Tide that day. Exactly one month later, on July 18th, Simonds returned to Tuscaloosa (Ala.) and this time, he left with an offer.
The 6-foot-4, 290 pound offensive lineman out of Buford (Ga.) camped at Alabama the first half of Tuesday, then after being watched closely by Nick Saban throughout the morning session, he was summoned to the office.
"When I was called up to coach Saban's office after the camp, we talked for a little bit, then he just came out and offered me," said Simonds. "He watched me while I worked with coach [Brent] Key (offensive line) and after he offered me, he told me he had seen enough and that I had nothing else to prove to them."
Simonds was a little surprised by the offer. He did not go into the camp expecting it. He knew that Alabama had interest in him, but he thought they wanted him to camp, then evaluate him throughout the season before they decided if they wanted to offer or not.
When he received the news from Saban, he felt good about it.
"It was really just a relief for me when I was told I had the offer. It shows that the hard work I am putting in is paying off. The offer means a lot to me because Alabama is one of the top programs over the last decade.
"It shows that my work is helping me progress and that I am doing things right as I work to get better. I didn't think I would leave this visit with an offer, so it was big for me to get it."
Alabama is known for pushing their players and getting the most out of them. The coaches take that same approach with prospects as they camp there each summer. Simonds liked working with coach Key and he sees those two developing a strong relationship.
"Coach Key is just a great guy," said Simonds. "He is a guy I feel I could have a relationship with for a long time. If I decided to go to Alabama, I feel after I graduated that we would stay close and be great friends.
"He is very tough, but not too hard where he has to scream and yell. He shows you what to do, he teaches you well and he is just a great coach. He is someone I think would be great to play for."
Simonds is now a 2019 target for Alabama and he has seen it all. The first time he visited in June, he toured the campus, saw the facilities and got a feel for life in Tuscaloosa. Now that he has the offer, the Crimson Tide is high on his list.
"If I had to name a top two right now, it would be Alabama and Virginia Tech. Alabama is about excellence and their standard reminds me of the way it is in high school for me now.
"I see a lot of similarities in Alabama and Buford. We both strive to be the best and I like it at Alabama."
