REPORT: Former MSU linebacker Antjuan Simmons joining Michigan State football staff

REPORT: Former MSU linebacker Antjuan Simmons joining Michigan State staff

According to a report from Spartan Tailgate’s Justin Thind, former Michigan State football standout Antjuan Simmons will join the team’s staff as a graduate assistant.

Simmons, who was a linebacker, was a beloved member of the program. He racked up 90 tackles in a massive 2019 season and 75 tackles in his final season, 2020.

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Former MSU football LB Antjuan Simmons joins Ann Arbor Pioneer football coaching staff

Former MSU football LB Antjuan Simmons joins Ann Arbor Pioneer football coaching staff

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Well, this news surprised me a bit. On Tuesday, Ann Arbor Pioneer football announced that former MSU linebacker and former Ann Arbor Pioneer standout Antjuan Simmons will join the coaching staff as the linebackers coach.

Simmons went undrafted after an impressive career at Michigan State. I would have bet every dollar in my pocket that Simmons would find some kind of opportunity in the NFL, but it is good to see that he is able to be involved in the game in some capacity still.

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Shakur Brown and Naquan Jones receive NFL Combine Invites

The invites to the 2021 NFL combine were announced today and CB Shakur Brown and DT Naquan Jones were the two Spartans who received invites.

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The invites to the 2021 NFL combine were announced today and two Spartans were among those who were invited. Cornerback Shakur Brown and defensive tackle Naquan Jones were the two Spartans who received an invite. Although, due to COVID-19, no NFL combine will be held just like last year.

Despite the two Spartans being invited, it felt like there was one obvious snub from the invites. Senior linebacker Antjuan Simmons, who made All-Big Ten Second Team, was not invited to the combine. This comes as quite a shock considering he was one of the best Spartans on the field each game this past season. Simmons’ draft stock has been really under-the-radar despite his fantastic effort on the field. This is a solid linebacker that could eventually be a starter on an NFL team, yet he’s not getting the recognition he deserves.

This is a tremendous honor for both Brown and Jones, who look to continue Michigan State’s streak of 81 straight years of having a player selected in the NFL Draft.

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Here is where Mel Kiper Jr. expects Michigan State’s NFL Draft prospects to be drafted

Mel Kiper Jr. gave his thoughts on Michigan State’s three NFL Draft hopefuls on Monday.

Starting on April 29th, Michigan State Football will have a chance to extend their NFL draft streak to 80 straight years having a player from the team drafted, and they will have three strong chances for that to happen as Antjuan Simmons, Naquan Jones, and Shakur Brown have all officially entered the draft.

On Monday, ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. hosted a call with the media and he gave his thoughts on all three players coming out of MSU and their draft chances. Kiper seems confident that at least one of the MSU guys will go, but likely later in the draft. You can see his thoughts on each player below.

Michigan State football pro day scheduled for March 24

Michigan State players will have a chance to show off their skills to NFL teams on March 24

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Michigan State football has three strong NFL draft prospects who should all have a shot at getting drafted this year in Antjuan Simmons, Naquan Jones, and Shakur Brown. All three players will get the shot to show what they can do on March 24th as the NFL released the pro day schedule this week and MSU’s pro day is scheduled for that day.

From the NFL:

The NFL Scouting Combine’s altered format for this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the spotlight onto the 2021 pro day circuit, where NFL decision-makers will have the opportunity to see the top draft prospects perform on-field drills and learn their official measurements. Teams are limited to a maximum of three representatives at any pro day this year. Below is a list of confirmed college pro days in the lead up to the 2021 NFL Draft.

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Michigan State Football LB Antjuan Simmons named East-West Shrine Bowl All-Star

Michigan State’s Antjuan Simmons has been selected to the East-West Shrine Bowl.

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The East-West Shrine Bowl is an annual college football All-Star game that recognizes some of the top players in college football. The game itself is canceled this year due to COVID-19, but they are still honoring the nation’s top players. Michigan State Football will have at least one player honored by the Shrine Bowl as linebacker Antjuan Simmons was named to the team on Tuesday.

Simmons was, in this writer’s opinion, clearly the best player on MSU’s roster this year and should be their best chance to extend their notable NFL Draft streak.

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The Shrine Bowl process will still allow players to engage in NFL Draft informational and virtual training sessions with NFL coaches.

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Michigan State Football: Antjuan Simmons, Shakur Brown make AP All-Big Ten second team

Two Spartans were named to the AP’s All-Big Ten second team on Tuesday.

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Another day, another set of accolades for Antjuan Simmons and Shakur Brown. The two Michigan State Football defensive standouts have already been named to the media’s All-Big Ten second team, and on Tuesday, they were also named to the AP All-Big Ten second team.

Simmons, in particular, stood out on each and every play for MSU and literally popped off the screen. He’ll be heading to the NFL Draft, announcing that decision just four days ago.

Shakur Brown wasn’t always the most consistent in coverage, but in 2020 he was one of the most dynamic play-makers in the country. His five interceptions are tied for the most in college football and his ball instincts should get him some good looks in the 2021 NFL Draft. He’ll be leaving school early to try his luck at the next level.

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Michigan State Football linebacker Antjuan Simmons declares for NFL Draft

Michigan State standout linebacker Antjuan Simmons has declared for the 2021 NFL Draft.

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A third Michigan State Football player has declared for the 2021 NFL Draft.

On Friday evening, MSU linebacker and, in my opinion, best player on the team Antjuan Simmons announced that he would not use the COVID-19 eligibility waiver to return to the Spartans for one more season and will instead enter the NFL Draft.

Simmons will join cornerback Shakur Brown and defensive linemen Naquan Jones in the NFL Draft process. The three Spartans will look to extend Michigan State’s NFL Draft streak to 81 straight years of having a player drafted. I think Simmons gives them an excellent chance to keep that streak alive.

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Michigan State Football: Antjuan Simmons named Big Ten Sportsmanship honoree

Antjuan Simmons continues to rack up the awards this season. Simmons made the All-Big Ten media and coaches defensive team.

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Antjuan Simmons continues to rack up the awards this season. Simmons made the All-Big Ten media and coaches defensive second team. Now he’s been chosen the Spartans recipient for the Big Ten Sportsmanship award. A player from every Big Ten school was chosen as an honoree for this award.

Simmons effort on and off the field has made him a perfect honoree for this award. Simmons has aspirations to be a teacher once his playing days are over.

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Antjuan Simmons and Shakur Brown make All-Big Ten Second Team

The All-Big Ten Football Team was announced for the defensive side by the media and two Spartans have made it on the second team.

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The All-Big Ten Football Team was announced for the defensive side by the media and two Spartans have made it on. Linebacker Antjuan Simmons and cornerback Shakur Brown both made the second team as announced by the Big Ten today.

Simmons has had 75 tackles, one sack and two fumble recoveries so far this season. He has more tackles this season than Micah McFadden and Paddy Fisher, both of whom made the first team. Simmons has truly been the leader of this defense for the Spartans, and I see a lot of Luke Kuechly in him. A linebacker who can read the play, make any tackle and pump up the team when needed. Simmons will have at least one more game to show why NFL teams should draft him in April.

Brown has 25 tackles and five interceptions this season, which is tied for most in the nation! Brown’s stellar season is why he has already declared for the 2021 NFL Draft. Brown in a tremendous man-to-man player, which is why he has five interceptions this year. Brown’s play this year has shown NFL scouts why he deserves to play on Sunday’s next year.

Did Antjuan Simmons or Shakur Brown get snubbed from making first team All-Big Ten defense or were they rightfully put on second team?

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