2025 DL locks in Alabama OV, talks relationship with the staff
Several Alabama official visits have been reported this week.
Along with five-star running back Aylin Dear (June 14) and in-state commit Derick Smith (May 31) locking in their officials to Bama, a defensive lineman in the 2025 class has also scheduled a trip to Tuscaloosa. London Simmons out of Hartsfield Academy in Flowood (Miss.) will be in town from June 14-16.
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Simmons spoke with BamaOnLine about next month’s trip, communication with the staff, interest in Alabama, and more.
“Just them showing me love,” Simmons said of what he’s looking forward to the most. “I’m looking to get a great relationship with the coaches.”
Simmons is hearing from someone on Alabama’s staff at least three or four times a week. Position coach Freddie Roach, as well as fellow Mississippi native Robert Gillespie, are the ones he speaks with the most at Bama.
Roach has shared the following message with the fast-rising defensive lineman.
“Keep working. Hard work is going to pay off,” Simmons said of Roach’s message. “Before I got the Alabama offer, I had nothing but G5s. Alabama was my first Power 5 offer. It’s been a little wild. I’m now starting to pick up a lot of offers.”
The 6-foot-3, 295-pounder was praised by Roach for being physical, how fast he is off the ball, and his explosiveness. Simmons, who was offered after Alabama stopped by his school on April 23, has enjoyed building a relationship with Roach over the past few weeks.
“I love Coach Roach,” Simmons said. “Him and I have a great bond. I can’t wait to visit him during my official. He knows how to get players to the league. He’s coached a lot of NFL players, so I know he knows what he’s doing.”
A recipient of seven offers since Alabama jumped into the mix, Simmons is keeping his options open and does not have a leader in his recruitment.
He did outline a few reasons why the Crimson Tide are sticking out to him and earned an official visit next month.
“Just the atmosphere,” Simmons said. “Them being a team that gets a lot of players to the league. It’s an opening to get to the league. Obviously, the player development is there because they build your body to what it needs to be and get you to the league.”
Returning to his conversations with Roach, the two have briefly talked about how Simmons could potentially fit into their 4-2-5 defensive scheme. A more in-depth conversation on the way Bama might utilize him will take place during next month’s visit.
“He was saying that there’s someone on the team that’s my size and plays how I play. I would fit in the nose area and the three-tech,” Simmons said. “We run 3 and 4 [at my high school]. I definitely could fit into that being at the one-tech and the nose-tech. I’m very familiar with the defense that [Alabama] runs.”
Simmons elaborated on what he brings to gridiron.
“I’m someone who loves to defeat the double teams,” Simmons said. “Being very explosive off the ball. Also, a quick first step.”
As a junior, Simmons recorded 80 total tackles, including an outstanding 25 tackles for loss. He also had 15 sacks and three forced fumbles last season. Be sure to check out his 2023 season highlights down below!
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