Georgia Tech defensive lineman Antonio Simmons said it was humbling to miss the spring semester, but that his teammates welcomed him back as if he hadn’t been away.
Simmons, a junior from Jacksonville, Fla., declined to say why he wasn't enrolled at Tech. He said he spent a lot of time working out and came into camp stronger than when he left.
“It feels really good to be back,” he said. “I’m glad to be back with my teammates.”
Simmons is bouncing mostly between the first and second teams after starting three games and playing in 11 last season. He can play either end on the line.
Simmons said the level of focus he has on football hasn’t changed since his return compared to when he left.
Coach Paul Johnson said Simmons looked good in Saturday’s scrimmage, is fighting for a job and has a chance to play. Defensive line coach Mike Pelton said Simmons needs to improve his consistency.
“He’s kind of hungry from being out,” Pelton said. “He brings some effort, but he’s just like the rest of them. Every now and then his technique slips. You can’t be up and down.”
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