Razorback Commit Could be Future Face of Program

Three pieces of Wyatt Simmons' game made him a can't miss prospect for many programs around the nation

Author:
Jacob Davis
Updated:
Aug 24, 2023 3:57 PM EDT
Original:
Aug 23, 2023

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — After a lengthy recruiting process, Coach Sam Pittman and defensive coordinator Travis Williams received a verbal commitment from one of the Natural State's top remaining prospects. Harding Academy linebacker Wyatt Simmons burst onto the scene this offseason after sending film to HUDL in May and his stock began to skyrocket.

He quickly received offers from Auburn, Florida State, Liberty and Oklahoma before the Hogs dropped in on May 11. Mississippi State, Illinois, Texas, Clemson, Miami, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Tennessee and USC all filed hoping to gain the newfound linebacker.

The Searcy native was extremely active on the field in 2022 in what can only be described as a breakout season. It must be mentioned that it was his first full season as a linebacker. Simmons recorded 84 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, six sacks, one interception, two fumble recoveries, and two defensive touchdowns. He also made contributions offensively by rushing 12 times for 61 yards and a touchdown in addition to a pair of receptions for 109 yards and two touchdowns.

At first, Simmons had no idea he would be a high level recruit. He had zero Power Four offers. SMU, UAB, Arkansas State and Southern Miss swooped in the day he added his profile and highlight video, but crickets from the Big 12, ACC, Big Ten and SEC. His father, Paul Simmons, the head coach at Harding University, which shares a campus with his high school, was the program he was expected to play for before his recruitment took a huge turn.

Over the course of one month Simmons received 15 scholarship offers. By June it climbed past 20. No one goes under the radar like that anymore. In an interview with Football Scoop, Simmons' high school coach went on record saying his prized prospect caught everyone off guard.

“He published it over the weekend, probably doesn’t even know he published it. Just sent it out labeled football. No name. no contact info. Super unassuming. So there’s like a time-capsule element to this whole thing. He’s like recruiting somebody in the 1960s.”

Being so young at the position gives the Hogs' plenty of time to develop an easily coachable athlete into what they want him to be. One of the keys to his game that pops off the screen is his ability to read the opposing quarterback. One required skill in modern football is keeping tabs on a dual threat quarterback. They don't necessarily have to be world beaters, but scramblers can be dangerous. Simmons continuously keeps his eyes on the quarterback as a spy and contains them from breaking the play open.

Secondly, his closing speed is underrated. Whether making a tackle in the backfield or taking the right angle to catch a player along the sideline, the closing speed is there. His coach describes him as having football speed as opposed to track speed. This has helped his recruiting as the college game is played so quickly on offense that it's important to supplement that speed on defense, too.

Finally, pass protection in the middle of the defense is key and Simmons does it well. When plays breakdown and turnovers are forced Simmons’ speed can be the difference to make an immediate impact in games.

Simply put, the Hogs’ need as many big time playmakers as possible moving forward as the SEC continues to grow. Quality depth isn’t served on a platter. It’s important for Arkansas to be ahead of the game, continue a winning trajectory and set themselves up for success starting now.