5. Elijah Simmons, DT
Star Rating: 3-star
Overall: 615th
Position: 47th
Height/Weight: 6-foot, 350 pounds
All you need to do is look at this “kid’s” picture (read: grown man’s picture) on here to realize he isn’t just some three-star defensive tackle.
On a more serious note, Simmons’ football ability really should have him rated higher than what he is. He has some bad weight, yes, but he’s extremely athletic for his size and will be more than just a lane clogger as a 3-4 nose tackle. Simmons has some legitimate speed and burst at the point of attack, and once he gets conditioned by Craig Fitzgerald, he should be able to be a big contributor.
In an ideal world, Simmons will use 2019 as a redshirt year. But I really think the future is extremely bright for him at Tennessee.
Remember that time during the early signing period that Jeremy Pruitt talked about the 6-foot, 350-pound Simmons being able to almost dunk a ball? And remember that time Simmons posted a video that next day of him doing just that?
That’s the kind of athleticism we’re talking about here.
He also took a tipped pass and rumbled his way down the field for an interception return for a touchdown during his senior season at Pearl Cohn in Nashville. It’s the first play of his highlight film below:
As a senior, Simmons totaled 54 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, two sacks, and that pick-six according to MaxPreps.
