Returning home to play his next seasons of college football is certainly appealing to Bamberg native DE Jerome Simmons (6-4 333). South Carolina, in dire need of size and strength on their defensive line, is giving him that opportunity. Simmons, now at Highland JC, KS, made an official visit with the Gamecocks over the weekend and got the chance to talk in depth with defensive line coach Travian Robertson.
“It was pretty nice. I definitely like it. Everything that we talked about, how I can fit in the defense, it was pretty good,” Simmons said. “He told me I definitely have an opportunity. All I have to do is show that I can work, and I’ll definitely will be playing. I got to sit there and really absorb all the information he was telling me. It was good to have my family there too so they could see the point the coaches were coming from and how I would be used in their defense, so they could understand why they need me.”
Simmons also had a sit down meeting with head coach Shane Beamer before departing Sunday.
“He definitely would love to have me there, and he wants to get me back home,” Simmons said. “He definitely would love to have me come there and would love me to be back home.”
Simmons said he did not commit to Beamer and Robertson before leaving, but it definitely was a subject that was discussed.
“They were trying to get me to commit, but I just need to think a little bit more about it, I guess,” Simmons said. “That’s what I told them, and that’s pretty much it right there. I want to see how everything falls in place, talking to other coaches and see what they have to say and how everything falls in place. I’ve taken some visits, some were unofficial, but I think I’m kind of satisfied right now.”
Simmons also took an official visit to Louisiana this month. He does not graduate until the spring, and at this point he’s not sure if he’ll sign this month or in February.