2025 On300 RB James Simon updates the latest in his recruitment
SHREVEPORT, La. — It’s shaping up to be a very important fall for one of the nation’s best junior backs.
James Simon, the No. 11 RB in the On300 for the 2025 recruiting cycle, piled up almost 120 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns as Shreveport (La.) Calvary ran past their crosstown rivals. Simon, who is well-put-together at 5-foot-11 and 200 pounds, was dynamic out of the backfield and running with a purpose throughout the contest.
“We’re a 2A school, small, the underdogs, but you see how it goes,” Simon told On3 following a 119-yard performance. “When it comes to heart, to good teams, it’s about who works harder and whoever plays harder.”
The On300 back has been heavily pursued by several programs since August arrived. That group is headlined by Alabama, LSU, Georgia, Texas, Texas A&M, USC, Miami and Oregon, among others.
Simon enjoys special visit to LSU, supporting both Tigers
Simon was in Baton Rouge over the weekend for LSU’s home opener against Grambling State. His father, John Simon, is an assistant on the Grambling State sideline.
The 2025 blue-chipper in North Louisiana has been to several games in Tiger Stadium and has been a top priority for LSU and Frank Wilson.
“I had to support my dad, I had to support both sides,” said Simon, the No. 124 overall player in the country for next year’s recruiting cycle.
“They try their hardest and they’re doing the best they can,” he added on LSU’s push. “They just want me there to be able to come to represent LSU and represent my home state.”
Texas A&M, Texas making their presence felt
Simon already has Oct. 7 circled on his calendar. The On300 RB will make his first visit to College Station for the Aggies’ tilt vs. Alabama.
Texas A&M has been coming full-throttle ever since the start of August.
“A&M has been talking to me daily,” Simon said. “They really want me just as bad as LSU wants me. They’re right there with them. I want to see how that goes with them.”
Simon, who hails originally from Plano, is anxious to get his first taste of Kyle Field and a chance to see two of his top contenders.
“I’m happy to get to A&M for the first time and see C-Stat, and see what the atmosphere is all about,” he said. “The same with Texas.”
Texas assistants Terry Joseph and Tashard Choice have been mainstays in Simon’s recruitment since the jump.
“That’s where I’m from and it’s good to see how they put on for their home state,” he said. “I love to see how much they love me and want me to come back there and play for them.”
Alabama, Georgia visits are on deck
The Crimson Tide have come on strong with the Louisiana RB. Leading the efforts are assistants Robert Gillespie and Holmon Wiggins.
Simon says a visit to Tuscaloosa is at the top of his wish list for the fall.
“I want to check out Alabama and I want to check out Georgia. I’ve never been there before,” he said.
“All of the coaches have been hitting me up,” Simon added, on the Tide. “Coach Gillespie, Coach Wiggins. I’m hoping to get Coach (Nick) Saban in my phone at some point. They have been pushing hard to get me out there and trying to make it happen. I know I’ll see them at the A&M game and I know I’ll get there (to Alabama).”
Georgia’s Dell McGee hasn’t been shy about his interest in Simon. The four-star back sported Georgia gloves during his two-touchdown performance last Thursday night.
“He’s texted me every day and we’ve talked about getting up there,” he said. “I’ve gotten a text from Kirby Smart, too, and I wanna see what they’re about.”
Simon is tabbed as the No. 4 player in Louisiana for next year’s recruiting cycle, according to the On3 Industry Rankings, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
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