Shortly after Bobby Bowden became coach at Florida State in 1976 he heard from Bill Franklin, one of his former players at South Georgia College in Douglas.

"Bill had settled in Warner Robins and he told me about a player that he really wanted me to see," Bowden said in an interview last summer. "We were really just getting started (at Florida State) so I went."

That player was Ron Simmons, an All-State defensive lineman from Warner Robins High. Simmons would sign with Florida State where he would become a two-time All-American.

On Thursday Simmons, who now lives in Marietta, was one of 13 players named to the College Football Hall of Fame.

"This has to be one of the greatest honors that I have ever received and I can't tell you how thrilled I am," Simmons told the AJC on Thursday. "When I look at all of the great players who are in the Hall of Fame, I can't believe I'm on that list. This a tribute that I share with all of those guys who got things started at Florida State."

Simmons was one of the first big-time recruits signed by Bowden at Florida State. Bowden, who turns 79 on Nov. 8, is set to begin his 33rd season in Tallahassee as college football's all-time winner (373 victories) in Division I-A.

"Back then it wasn't a popular choice to go to Florida State but coach Bowden sold us on the dream," Simmons said. "I grew up in central Georgia and that was Bulldog country. It was not a popular choice around my house."

Florida State was 39-8 in Simmons' four years and he led the Seminoles to the Orange Bowl as a junior and a senior. He was eventually inducted into the Orange Bowl Hall of Fame.

Simmons finished ninth in the Heisman Trophy balloting as a junior in 1979. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns and also played in the USFL and CFL.

After his playing days Simmons became a professional wrestler.

"There are so many people who help you get to a place like this," said Simmons, who turns 50 on May 15. "I don't know that I can thank them all but I am going to try."

There were two coaches named to the Hall of Fame, one was Lou Holtz. The formal induction ceremonies for this class will be held on Dec. 9 in New York.