TUSCALOOSA, Ala.–It’s never too late to make assumptions in spring practice. While Alabama football head coach Nick Saban experiments with some players, there are others that seem to fly under the radar.
Rising sophomore and four-star receiver T.J. Simmons is one of those guys.
Before arriving at Tuscaloosa in the Crimson Tide’s 2016 signing class, the 6-foot-2 and 202-pound target was game-changing athlete at Clay-Chalkville High School in Pinson, Ala. During his senior season, he totaled 47 receptions for 1,228 yards and 20 touchdown catches in 2015.
Alabama wide receiver T.J. Simmons showing youngsters how to catch. @TDAlabamaMag pic.twitter.com/DBi5FQIhA6
— Stephen M. Smith (@CoachingMSmith) April 8, 2017
Despite being viewed as a second-tier wide out, Simmons was one of multiple standouts from Saturday’s scrimmage inside Bryant-Denny Stadium. According to Saban, he fell behind rising junior Calvin Ridley in receptions (seven). He also brought in a touchdown pass, per a source. A former Alabama Sports Writers Association Super 12 member and All-State Team selection, Simmons has size, speed and secure ball skills.
He saw action in 12 games a year ago, though he did not record any receiving stats.
Alabama receivers getting loose. pic.twitter.com/ig3jWakkPk
— Stephen M. Smith (@CoachingMSmith) April 8, 2017
With Calvin Ridley, Robert Foster and Cam Sims representing a talented tripod, Simmons’ work ethic and determination may propel him into being the fourth guy in the Tide’s primary rotation.
Stephen M. Smith is a managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
