Tag: Colin Simmons

Colin Simmons makes his mark during his first year with Texas Longhorns

Talented freshman Colin Simmons was ranked as one of the best players in his class and expected to be a future star.

Entering the 2024 campaign, expectations were high for Longhorns linebacker Colin Simmons. The talented freshman was ranked as one of the best players in his class and expected to be a future star. He did not disappoint as he became one of the top players at his position.

In 16 games, the Duncanville High School product recorded 48 total tackles and nine sacks. He also recovered three fumbles and added 14 tackles for a loss to his resume. With Simmons leading the way, the Longhorns’ defense was hard to stop and dominated in conference play.

As Simmons frustrated offensive coordinators, he added to his trophy case. The Dallas native won the Shawn Alexander Award, which is given annually to the best true freshman in college football. He was also selected to the Freshman All-SEC Team.

During the 2024 campaign, Simmons showed he could be the focal point of a defense for a major college program. He led the team in sacks with nine and was credited with at least one sack in seven games. Simmons was the only Longhorn defender with 14 or more tackles for a loss and nine sacks.

Due to his play, Simmons will enter his sophomore campaign as one of the Longhorns’ most important players. He should be a popular name on draft boards in the future, but his goal for next season will be to help the Longhorns win a national title. After what he did as a freshman, many are looking forward to his encore.

Jeremiah Smith responds to losing out on Freshman of the Year to Texas EDGE

Jeremiah Smith has had an incredible season, but unfortunately, Colin Simmons won Freshman of the Year over him.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are among the most sought-after programs for incoming freshmen. That’s one reason they consistently have a strong class of first-year players in Columbus.

Jeremiah Smith has been their latest freshman sensation, and he’s putting together one of the best all-time receiving seasons, especially for a freshman receiver.

He has set multiple Ohio State freshman receiving records. However, he lost out on Freshman of the Year to Texas rusher Colin Simmons. He has a more forward-looking approach though and is keeping his eyes on Ohio State’s next opponent.

Simmons is a superstar in the making as well. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing in at 245 pounds, he’s an ideal size to blast off the line and get to quarterbacks, which he has done often. Simmons has eight sacks, 39 tackles, and an interception on the season.

As for Smith, coming into the Buckeyes bowl game with Oregon, he has 63 receptions for 1,037 yards and a conference-high 12 touchdowns. He’ll be expected to play a big part in the Buckeyes gameplan against the Ducks.

Colin Simmons rewarded for stellar freshman campaign

The Duncanville High School product was named the 2024 Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award winner

On Thursday, Longhorns star edge rusher Colin Simmons made history. The Duncanville High School product was named the 2024 Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award winner. He is the first player in program history to win the award.

In his first season as a Longhorn, Simmons played in 14 games and led the team in sacks with eight. He ranked second in tackles for loss with 12.5, quarterback hurries with nine and forced fumbles with three. Due to his play he has continued to add to his trophy case and isn’t taking anything for granted.

“It’s such an amazing honor, and I appreciate it so much,” Simmons told Texas Athletics on Thursday afternoon. ” I want to thank my teammates and my coaches for helping me get to the position that I’m in right now and allowing me to play to the best of my abilities and grow as a person on and off the field. This really goes to them, too.”

As Simmons proved he was one of the best players in the Longhorns’ defense, he also ranked highly among his classmates. He finished the 2024 campaign leading all freshmen in total sacks and ranked second in sacks per game.

With another award on his resume, Simmons will be looking to help keep the Longhorns’ national championship hopes alive in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal, where they will take on Arizona State. Despite the higher expectations, his goals will remain the same.

”  Regardless of the fact that I’m receiving this award, I still have things to work on, things to improve on, and I still have to get better each and every day.”

Colin Simmons named Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year semifinalist

While he ranks among the team leaders, Simmons has also set himself apart nationally

In his first year with the Texas Longhorns, Colin Simmons lived up to high expectations. On Tuesday, he was rewarded for his play when he was named one of 14 semifinalists for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award. In the preseason, Simmons and his teammate Ryan Wingo were placed on the watch list.

During his freshman season, Simmons appeared in eight games and recorded 7.5 tackles for a loss. He currently ranks second on the team in sacks and quarterback hurries with four. The Duncanville High School product is one of the five Longhorns with a forced fumble this season. While he ranks among the team leaders, Simmons has also set himself apart nationally.

Entering week 10, Simmons ranks second among all freshmen in sacks per game with 0.50. His four sacks are the ninth-most by a freshman in program history. While the Longhorns have gotten contributions from everyone, Simmons has thrived in the spotlight.

As the Texas native has turned into a star, he has thrived in conference play. One of his best games this season came against Mississippi State on Sept. 28. He recorded a season-high seven tackles and three sacks for a loss of 15 yards.

Although there are still six weeks left in the regular season, Simmons has quickly established himself as one of the best players at his position. If he can end the season strong, he should be heavily considered for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award.

Regardless of what happens over the next few weeks, Simmons has already shown that his future is bright, and his special run in Austin is just beginning.

Colin Simmons is creating excitement for the Longhorns’ future

With the first five games in the books, Simmons has met expectations and been one of the best players at his position

Entering the 2024 campaign, expectations were high for Colin Simmons. The talented freshman was expected to help take the Longhorns’ defense to the next level as they chased a national championship. With the first five games in the books, Simmons has been a bright spot and one of the best players at his position.

So far this season, Simmons has appeared in every game, recording 18 tackles, including 13 solo. He has also put pressure on quarterbacks with a team-high four sacks. With the Texas native comfortable in his new surroundings, the Longhorns defense has held opponents to 35 points.

Although Simmons has had to adjust to a new team and level of competition, he has made the transition seem effortless. He has not been overmatched and hard to keep out of the lineup. That is what the Longhorns hoped would happen when Simmons made his college debut.

Through the first five weeks of the season, Simmons is the fifth highest-rated edge defender in FBS, according to Pro Football Focus. He also leads the team in quarterback pressures and is getting better as the games pile up.

While the season is far from over, it is hard to ignore how good Simmons has been. Regardless of the opponent, he has been a human highlight, which will be important in conference play. As the Longhorns get time to reflect during their buy week, the play of Simmons is one of the many positives they can look back on.

Longhorns defender believes Texas will ‘dominate’ Oklahoma Sooners

Texas edge rusher Colin Simmons believes the Longhorns will dominate the Oklahoma Sooners

Though there are two weeks until the Oklahoma Sooners and Texas Longhorns meet in the Cotton Bowl for the Red River Showdown, one Longhorn defender chose to throw a little gas on the fire to kick things off.

Five-star freshman edge rusher Colin Simmons was asked about OU-Texas after the Longhorns’ win over Mississippi State since it’s his first Red River Rivalry game. Simmons said via C.J. Vogel on X, “Ooo wee. OU, OU, OU, OU. I mean, they’ve got a good squad this year. Lot of people on that team that I know. I feel like we’re going to dominate them.”

Simmons went on to say that he and his teammates have to “trust in our coaching and just get better each and every day.”

In four games for the Longhorns, Simmons has recorded 11 total tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks. With what Oklahoma’s been dealing with along the offensive line,

The Texas Longhorns are 5-0 after beating the Mississippi State Bulldogs 35-7 on Saturday. They were No. 2 in the US LBM Coaches Poll last week and No. 1 in the AP Top 25. Oklahoma is 4-1 after its comeback win over Auburn.

But the beauty of a rivalry game is that no matter what the records are, what the rankings are, or what the perceptions are, anyone can win. With two weeks until the Red River Rivals meet in Dallas, Texas, the Sooners will have a chance to stew on Simmons’ words.

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Longhorns defense makes early statement with second dominating effort

While Quinn Ewers and his new weapons have been able to score with ease, their defense has been just as good

Through the first two games of the Texas Longhorns’ season, their offense has seemed unstoppable. While Quinn Ewers and his new weapons have been able to score with ease, their defense has been just as good. In eight quarters, they have allowed 15 points.

After shutting out Colorado State in Week One, the Longhorns faced their first-ranked team on Saturday in Michigan. The Wolverines could only muster 286 yards of total offense and went 3-12 on third downs. Texas took advantage of their mistakes as they struggled to move the ball.

The Longhorns forced three turnovers, including two interceptions, giving them three on the season. Colin Simmons also recorded his first sack of the 2024 campaign. Texas had four tackles for a loss after recording six against Colorado State.

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While Texas was projected to beat Colorado State with ease, the defense showed they are not to be underestimated against a ranked team like Michigan. Heading into action this week, the Wolverines were ranked as the tenth-best team in the nation and had scored 30 points against Fresno State in Week One.

The emergence of an elite Texas defense would be key in a tough SEC conference. Their Opponents have gone 9-24 on third downs and only scored one touchdown. The Longhorns will need their sack totals to increase, but so far, they have caused enough pressure to disrupt offenses.

Although many factors have contributed to the Longhorns’ success, against Michigan, they won on first down, making life harder for the Wolverines.

“Defensively, we continued to win on first down, which put them in second and long and third and long,” Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian told the media after the game.”

Their next test will be on the 14th when they take on UTSA, which is off to a 1-1 start.

Two Longhorn freshman named to Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year watch list

On Wednesday, they received national recognition as the talented duo was named to the preseason watch list for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award

Following stellar high school careers, expectations are high for Ryan Wingo and Colin Simmons in Austin. On Wednesday, they received national recognition, as the Longhorns duo was named to the preseason watch list for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award. Thirty-seven players were recognized, but only one will be named the best freshman in college football at the end of the regular season.

During his high school career, Simmons was an anchor in the Duncanville High School defense. As a senior, he recorded 52 total tackles, 21 tackles for a loss and 10 sacks. The Dallas native was part of a defense that allowed just 13.4 points per game and recorded four shutouts. Due to his play, Simmons was an All-America, two-time all-state, and three-time all-district honoree.

While Simmons made life difficult for quarterbacks, Wingo was St. Louis University High School’s best weapon. The talented wide receiver finished his high school career with 2,160 receiving yards and 31 receiving touchdowns. Although his senior season was limited due to injuries, Wingo recorded 46 catches in seven games.

Wingo and Simmons will be critical pieces on a team with championship aspirations. After losing stars like Adonai Mitchell in the NFL Draft, Wingo will be part of a new receiving core in the SEC. Simmons will be tasked with making the Longhorns defense one of the best in the nation.

Over the last few years, the Longhorns have had a few players come close to winning the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award. In 2023, Anthony Hill Jr. was a semifinalist. Xavier Worthy was a finalist in 2021.

Simmons and Wingo have an excellent chance to add some hardware to their trophy cases and make history.

Longhorns Freshman Report: Two emerge in fall camp

Two freshman have stood out so far in Longhorns fall camp – WR Ryan Wingo and Edge Colin Simmons. Both should get significant playing time.

Texas Longhorns fall camp has been in full swing for a little over a week in Austin, capped by a closed scrimmage on Saturday. Longhorns fans know all about the returning stars on the team, such as Quinn Ewers and Anthony Hill. But how are the freshmen doing? Have any emerged as true impact players in 2024?

OnTexasFootball’s Bobby Burton and Gerry Hamilton report that two freshman are standing out so far in camp: wide receiver Ryan Wingo and edge Colin Simmons.

“They are guys right now that will be in the rotation we believe when Texas plays Colorado State,” Burton said. “They may not play 50 snaps, but I think they’re going to play 15-25. They’ve booth stood out. I think they both get an A or A-plus as a grade right now.”

Wingo caught four passes for 81 yards and 2 TDs in the Texas spring game. An All-American Bowl participant, the St. Louis native was ranked fifth overall and second among wide receivers in the recruiting class by 247Sports. 

The true freshman from St. Louis has been everything and then some that Steve Sarkisian could want. He made more than one play in Saturday’s scrimmage, including a couple tantalizing catches, as well as the every down catch. He’s just got to learn more than one position. Right now Sark said he’s kinda pigeon-holed as that outside receiver because he’s so young. He’s trying to get everything down in the game. This is as good a receiver prospect, full prospect, as we’ve seen at Texas since Roy Williams out of Odessa Permian now more than 25 years ago. — Bobby Burton of OnTexasFootball

Simmons is a two-time state champion out of Duncanville who was 22nd overall by 247Sports and played in both the 2024 Under Armour All-American Game and 2024 Polynesian Bowl. 

We knew he’d have a role as an edge rusher. We didn’t know if it’d be third downs early in the season. The interesting thing to me is he’s showing versatility. In the NASCAR package they broke out in the scrimmage, he was playing Sam Linebacker. He’s showing beyond his gifts athletically and how he’s built up his frame. He’s showing football intelligence. They feel like they can work him in multiple spots before he’s ever played a game as a freshman in college. — Gerry Hamilton of OnTexasFootball

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These two true freshman could make an immediate impact for the Texas Longhorns

That class includes Kobe Black and Colin Simmons, who could play critical roles on defense

When the 2024 college football season begins, freshman around the country will be trying to make their mark. While the Longhorns have an experienced roster, they will be welcoming a talented recruiting class. That class includes [autotag]Kobe Black[/autotag] and [autotag]Colin Simmons[/autotag], who could play critical roles on defense.

Of the two, Simmons will arrive on campus with the highest expectations. He was the highest-ranked member of the Longhorns 2024 class. The Texas native was a menace to quarterbacks in high school and has five-star potential. He will have to compete with Trey Moore and Ethan Burke for snaps at defensive end, but that should be no issue for Simmons.

While Black won’t be rushing the quarterback, he is expected to make life difficult in the secondary. He has the physical tools to compete early and the versatility to play different positions. The talented cornerback will also have the opportunity to make an impact on special teams. Regardless of where the Longhorns put him, Black should be able to force his way into meaningful snaps.

After an offseason full of change, head coach Steve Sarkisian will need the next generation of Longhorns to step up. Last season, pass defense was one of their biggest weaknesses, and improving in that area will go a long way in a new conference. Simmons and Black are two players who make an impact in that area and are determined to make a good first impression.