Tyler Simmons, a wide receiver from McEachern, looked to be going to Alabama, but on signing day, he switched to Kirby Smart and Georgia.
Three things to know about Simmons:
1. Upfront approach: Simmons committed to Alabama on Jan. 2, a few weeks after Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban flew in by helicopter to visit the speedy playmaker at McEachern High School. "When he committed in early January, Simmons said the Crimson Tide's straight-forward approach was a deciding factor. "They just kept it real with me," Simmons told Scout.com. But the move of Kirby Smart to Athens paid off for UGA.
2. UGA never gave up: Simmons took official visits to Georgia and Miami, after committing to Alabama. And Smart continued to recruit him. In late January, Simmons got an in-home visit from Smart, who brought along a bulldog puppy.
3. Athlete: A versatile player, Simmons caught 25 passes for 404 yards with four touchdowns, rushed for 347 yards on 48 carries — often as a wildcat quarterback — with nine touchdowns.
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