WR Simmons recaps UGA, TAMU trips

Georgia already has two commitments from Powder Springs (Ga.) McEachern High, but could Class of 2016 three-star wide receiver Tyler Simmons be the next one to commit to the 'Dawgs? A recent visit to campus with his family sure helped Georgia's efforts.

"That visit was great," Simmons said. "As soon as we got there we had coach Mark Richt walking out, shaking our hand and greeting us there. He was the first person we talked to, we went up to his office and he made it official that I have an offer, which makes me feel like they really want me."

Simmons said he had his family had frank discussions with the Bulldogs coaches about where exactly he stands on their board and it helped clear up any questions he might have.

"Coach McClendon showed me their roster right now and their depth chart and he said this is where I'll stand when I get there, this is who is in front of me and this is who I've got to outwork," Simmons said. "He helped just get a better feel for Georgia because the other times it wasn't as personal or anything. It make it clear why they want me and why that's a great place for me. It definitely puts them toward the top."

Following his trip to Georgia, Simmons headed west to check out Texas A&M, where he worked out for the Aggies coaches.

"It was different but I really like it," he said. "You can tell football is different out there in Texas, they put a lot of money into their football program and they're building a great program with Coach Sumlin. It made me feel kind of comfortable. It's not the same as being in the Southeast but I liked it. Afterwards I was lucky enough to get that offer. They had said they offered all the 2016 wide receivers they were going to offer but after seeing me compete they said they really liked me."

Simmons is known for his speed in space and said he thinks he would fit well into Texas A&M's offense.

"They throw the ball a lot and that's what I want," he said. "That's the first thing Coach Sumlin said to me when we got there. He actually gave us a personal tour, which was really cool, but he said 'You already know what we do on offense, throw that ball' and I said 'Yeah, that's something I like.'"

The visit also gave Simmons a chance to get to know the Aggies coaches, an experience he enjoyed.

"Coach Moorehead was really cool," Simmons said. "He was real easy to get along with and we made a nice bond while I was there. Coach Sumlin and my dad grew up in the same area in Alabama so they have a lot of connections and know a lot of the same people -- they're basically related. If you're from Brewton, Ala. you're basically related."

Simmons only has a few more visits planned for the summer, then he said he'll think about announcing a commitment.

"I know I'm making a trip out to Cal next month," he said. "I'm making a trip out to Kansas State next month and I'm making another trip to Kentucky. Other than that there's not that much going on this summer. As the season starts I think I'll take some more trips."

Simmons said he will likely commit but still take visits in the fall, mainly because his recruitment didn't start until late in the game.

"I'll probably commit somewhere around the end of August," Simmons said. "I will probably still take visits just because a lot of other McEachern guys have been getting offers since they were younger but me coming in late I just want to make sure where I choose is a place I really feel comfortable."