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.