Tennessee’s recruitment of a junior college quarterback has zeroed in on Matt Simms from El Camino Community College in Torrance, Calif., a source close to his recruitment told the News Sentinel.
A scholarship offer is likely forthcoming after the Vols evaluated the former Louisville quarterback last weekend.
The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Simms led El Camino to a 42-20 victory over College of the Desert by completing 22 of 30 passes for 320 yards and a touchdown and one interception.
Simms left Louisville in January reportedly because he didn’t feel he’d be named the starter.
UT has a history with the Simms’ family. Matt Simms’ older brother, Chris Simms, committed to UT in 1999 before signing with Texas. Chris Simms is the backup QB for the Denver Broncos.
Matt and Chris’ father, Phil Simms, is a football analyst for CBS after a 14-year career with the New York Giants.
The Vols were also in Texas last weekend to evaluate Cameron Newton from Blinn Community College in Brenham, Texas.
However, the former Florida player’s stock took a serious hit when he was suspended for the first half of last weekend’s game. In the half he did play he was 17-of-27 passing for 327 yards and two touchdowns. He also carried nine times for 39 yards and two touchdowns.
The 6-6, 245-pound Newton reportedly has offers from Kansas State, Mississippi State and Arizona.
UT has a high school quarterback committed for the 2010 class: Tyler Bray from Kingsburg, Calif.
UT has two other quarterbacks on its roster: senior Nick Stephens and junior college transfer Nick Lamaison.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee 60, Connecticut 57 men's…
Tennessee 69, South Carolina 57 men's…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 97
Phowell23 writes:
Newton or Simms...I would take either or both. We need lots of competition at QB next year.
mbible1utk#324980 writes:
I must say... whichever guy we get is pretty much a planned backup. Matt Simms isn't that great, Cam Newton doesn't fit UT's system (he keeps getting into trouble). They need to be okay with coming in to add depth, and not to play. If Tyler Bray isn't ready to start next season, we'll see a season of Nick Stephens, followed by a competition between Bray and whoever we recruit for the 2011 class.
tdforvols writes:
Simms must not be that highly regarded if he wasn't in the running to start at Louisville. I'm not sure if either one of these guys are a good idea but I will trust our coaches to make the best decision.
tdforvols writes:
Scouts.com is showing that Simms was suspended for the first four games while at Louisville. Sounds like both of these guys have excess baggage the Vols don't need.
westknoxvol24 writes:
will the vols be in black saturday night vs sc...halloween
GahLee writes:
If Cam could get gis act together he could be very good, he has the size, the arm and the mobility to make a big impact for us.
On the other hand it appears that he is always into something.
I say give him a chance, the first time he slips up, he's is gone, the thing is he would probably not agree to that stipulation.
If Simms is anything like his sissy-armed brother, he can go somewhere else.
Tyler will compete with Nick for the starting spot next year, probably getting the nod so we can be better prepared for 2011.
This staff isn't afraid to take some lumps in order to execute their master plan.
Starting Bray and letting him get acclimated by way of the sink or swim method will pay dividends come his sophomore season.
By then Bryce, Oku, Teague, Richardson will be juniors and guys like Cobbs, Ambles, Milton will be hitting their stride as well.
Beat Bama, Go Vols!!!
Txvol57 writes:
No worries guys! Were gonna get Phillip Rivers brother..wait and see!!!
jhayes0926#638474 writes:
Simms quit Louisville because he wasn't the starter. Why does he think he will start ahead of Bray? Simms and Newton both sound like potential trouble.
QB_10 (Inactive) writes:
If TN looses a series of games, does CLK go to Nick Stephens for some of the Vandy and UK game to see what he has...if not then you know recruiting promises were made. Oh regarding the Simms kid, sort of like Mike Jordan's sons, they are part of the lucky gene club..the older Simms was not as good as Major Applewhite at Texas, but Politics seems to rear there head...I still say Stephens is better than all of them and if CLK does not play him in 2010, that super recruiting class without Wins becaomes a dog with fleas. Time will tell and Wins remove all sins. Witch Doctor, talk you to in 48 hours
GahLee writes:
Would not surprise me to see us in black come Halloween.
Don't put it past this staff to do so, Halloween night, a 7:45 kick-off.
yabadabadoo1026 writes:
theres a lot more to being a good QB than having a strong arm---------certainly helps but not a prerequisite---------case in point Jamarcus Russell who can throw it 50+ yards on his knees vs Drew Brees who i heard Colin Cowherd exageratingly suggest could not throw it thru wet toilet paper
davethevol writes:
Most that still have animosity against Chris Simms probably don't understand why he de-committed. He said that once he became more familiar with the program that he noticed the whites and the blacks didn't socialize and that there wasn't a team feeling. I think he was being honest and probably saw what Fulmer let the program become.
andy112382#209793 writes:
Good Lord i hope we don't wear the opposing teams colors....I will be making the trip from Augusta, GA for the game and I will be in orange and white!
GO VOLS!!!
Greer_Vol_22 writes:
Let me clear this up for you. Kiffin still needs publicity, the Simms name will bring it...even if the kid ends up a clip board queen, CBS/ESPN will be all over it for while and Dad would be in town which brings pub as well. I'd have to question if burning a 2 year scholly is worth the pub, but I'm not the coach. Rumor has it hear in SC that USC will be in all black and UT all orange for next Saturday....but we have a little thing happening this weekend that is way more important.
Vol_FAN_atic writes:
Lamaison is that you? Uh, I mean.... Uh, "durangokid01"
caverunner writes:
QB promises made..now thats ridiculous! I would say the only promises made were the ones where they would be given a chance to compete. Lets leave the "conspiracy theories" to the JFK assasination and the "Coast to Coast" shows! GBO and CLK!!
Voluvr writes:
That would be good. Great family. Father was Phillip's hs coach in Athens, Al. I talked to him in the summer before his senior season about checking out UT. Chuck Amato had been there almost a year earlier. It was done.
Simms or Rivers would be good. I would pass on Cam if he was suspended for anything to do with character. Grades, okay, I can deal with a D in stat.
GahLee writes:
Crompton is a senior, so unless he is a GA, you will never see him on UT sidelines again.
Lamaison will never see the field here at UT, Bray is already light-years ahead of Lamaison as is, he will be a stud.
Slystone writes:
So if he comes to UT, doesn't get the starting job does he pack his bags and leave again? I'm just asking.
txvolsfan writes:
Jamarcus is also a big mac short of being an O-lineman. It has nothing to do with his arm, it's his fat a@# that gets him in trouble.
TXVOLSFAN
Voluvr writes:
Seems that maybe the Simms boys and momma have a sense of entitlement. Chris left UT when Fulmer wouldn't guarantee his mom he would start. Now he left Louisville when he suspected he wouldn't start. If they didn't want competition they should've gone to Morehead St. like their dad or another smaller school.
Chris didn't help his stock when he showed up first day at practice at Texas in a limo. Mack, cousin of Mel Brown, famed Nashville McGavock HS/ David Lipscomb baseball coach, couldn't stand him.
Prediction: They figure out he will have to earn it every year at UT and they find a more hospitable, softer environment than Tennessee and I say good. We want competitors. However, if he does, he'll go Pro in the first round.
Volunteer writes:
Tellico Vol, hear the fishin is great out there! Im from ballplay...chances are i know ya. When did you graduate?
crimsonviper writes:
A little harsh there tx,but i am still laughing!
GahLee writes:
First off, I ain't your "brother".
You need to be more specific in your posts, to paraphrase " you don't want to see more of Crompton next year ".
No mention of Stephens.
Bray is light-years ahead in talent, I've heard that Nick doesn't have the arm strength to compete, Bray on the other hand apparently has a cannon.
No way that Nick sees the field for us, so why don't you put don't you put down the crack pipe and step away from the computer.
murrayvol writes:
Guess that's been cleared up.
Given his comments a few days ago he'll be in Knoxville at his earliest opportunity.
Voluvr writes:
I love to be the underdog and beat dirty programs. I don't know how some of these teams have such a big fan base that don't care that their team cheats on a regular basis. Who wants a title cheating? Cheaters. Dirty stinking cheaters that's who.
Now I'm not saying the holder for the Alabama team was cheating with the tape on the ground, he might just need a little help to know where the ball goes.
murrayvol writes:
He could overcome his outsized gluteus maximus if he had a work ethic. Alas, he doesn't.
Russell will soon join Ryan Leaf as the 2 biggest QB busts in NFL history.
When Peyton Manning was asked what he would do with his $100 Million contract, he said "earn it". And he did.
one4black writes:
2 things:
1) Unless I am mistaken, Tennessee has worn black in the past for games and/or parts of seasons - so it is not as if it would be a totally new thing
2) As for Bray only receiving offers from San Diego State - if you see - he was a late bloomer who rocketed up the recruiting rankings this summer. He is rated #6 rated pro-style QB according to Rivals. So if he had not committed Tennessee, he would have undoubtedly received many more offers. But since he did commit early this Fall, teams have not pursued as much.
But let's face it ... recruiting rankings are celebrated when they work out and dismissed when they are not. Phil had only two bad years according to rankings, but I think most agree the talent level at Tennessee shows a lack of development of players - not a lack of getting them. So we can only hope CLK develops them. I know I will support him, as I would any and all Tennessee coaches.
Now BEAT BAMA!
Voluvr writes:
You guys should google Alabama's record. One year they claim a title when they got shut out by Vandy and Ole Miss. Another with two losses one to Texas in the Cotton Bowl.
I researched this. By the same scale, now I'm serious research this, with the decade and every one and two loss year with a title for Alabama, Tennessee would claim 13 titles. Tennessee claims 6 conservatively. One year besides 98 and 51 Tennessee was undefeated and another unscored on.
Saturday will mark the launching pad of pure Big Orange dominance in the SEC. After Saturday's win, it's on.
one4black writes:
But those black uniforms were from MANY years ago!
SEC__Headgear writes:
We don't need no stinkin Simms. Sames goes for a Leak or anyone else with a major snub of a history.
Voluvr writes:
You know as I think about this, Let's get Cam, put him under some discipline, develop Bray and were on our way. What do you say?
xvolx writes:
You can have Phil Simms and Chris Simms. Phil Simms is a trouble maker. Got Texas to drop Major Applewhite from starting for his son. Matt Simms will bring nothing but problems for UT program.
Cash writes:
Don't really care about going for JUCO players. Get em fresh out of high school and develop them. 4 years vs 2 in most cases. JUCO to me is like putting a band aid on something that needs stitches.
VolinCalif writes:
I don't know how this will effect the Vol/Bama game , but here is the latest News Flash on sports here on the West Coast. The report is said to be very reliable. It came from one of the SEC's best source of infor. The Witch Doctor.
News Flash.
Urban Meyer complained to Slive that Lane Kiffin said that the Sec officials cheated and game the game to Fl against Ark. Slive called both Urban and Lane in for a talk as is normal. Lane assured Slive that he didn't say the officials cheated, only that there were some questionable calls that tipped the game in Fl''s favor. A couple of flies kept buzzing Urban and Slive face as they talked. They swatted at them several times, and then Urban said these dang flies. Lane said yes they are Mature Pile Flies. Both Slive and Urban sat up and stared at Lane harshly for a moment. Then Urban in a forceful voice ask."Are you calling us a pile of shi@?" Lane having learned his lesson of allowing his mouth to over load his As@. Said very politely. Oh No! I have far too much respect for you to say anything like that about you. But you know. You sure can't fool those flies.
bloodrunsorange writes:
I agree! If Newton’s arm is not what we need he could always be a TE or WR with his size and speed (6’7” – 255 lbs. - 4.6 with Florida 5 star athletic ability to be a QB somewhere). I do agree he needs to behave! Coach O will take care of that! Simms’ brother in our cap for a year until the last minute and then Texas is burned in my mind. Also the Daddy’s push for the Rose Bowl and Charles Woodsen instead of Peyton Manning for the Heisman should always remain in The Orange Nation’s memory as the travesty of all time (as bad as the Major’s - Horning fiasco). Is Simms really that superior to EVERY QB in the nation to embrace him and his family after the brother and father’s complete spit in the face attitude to the University of Tennessee? If he wasn’t good enough for Louisville why are we considering him?
14_lay_tha_wood writes:
Simms coulnt be a starter at Louisville, I dont think he has what it takes for UT football.
Newton is trouble maker, but definately has the ability to play anywhere.
Coach CLK and staff wont make bad choices.
GO VOLS!
tennezz writes:
Don`t count Lamaison out to quick, Kiffin said he was improving every day. He passed for 3500 yards and 39 touchdowns in JC last year and JC is a step above highschool! Lets keep an open mind and give him a chance. He has a chance to be a very good quarterback.
VolAlum2003 (Inactive) writes:
Couldn't be much worse than the Clausen curse.
VolInSabanLand writes:
I know Rivers personally and think we do have a shot. However, he is REALLY, REALLY thin. There's been all this talk of how much weight Bray needs to add before he can play and Steven makes Bray look like a monster from the WWE or whatever wrestling is called these days.
He's a very good kid and coachable, and he's very tall, (at least 6' 6"), but I'm not sure how good he will be when the time comes. there's lots of time between now and his freshman year of college, (2 years), but he has to mature.
Still, I'd love to see it. Don't often get to watch guys you know play for your favorite college team. I thought I was going to get that chance this year with DT Shackelford, before he changed to Ole Miss.
It'll be interesting to see what becomes of Rivers.
GahLee writes:
Cam is a trouble-maker, UT to this point has not had one incident since the new staff came in.
He would have to be on a very strict program, I doubt he would go for that.
Bray is the future.
BigOrangeinCharge writes:
http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009...
"Matt Simms looked to be the frontrunner for the starting quarterback job at Louisville next season. The redshirt sophomore, though, was not actually named the frontrunner by coach Steve Kragthorpe. The Cardinals also gained the commitment of a junior college quarterback. That apparently was the final straw, and Simms has decided to leave Louisville.
Aside from being the son of former New York Giants' quarterback Phil Simms, Matt Simms had gained notoriety for his performance in the New Jersey State Championship -- specifically flipping the bird to fans of the opposing team after the game.
Matt Simms has thrown all of 10 passes in his time at Louisville. Simms had also been suspended for four games this past season for the nebulous "team rules" violation, better explained by a photo that made the rounds on the Internet. That was about the most noticeable thing he accomplished at Louisville. Somehow, other than hurting depth at the spot, it does not seem that the departure of Matt Simms will have much of an impact on Louisville."
BigOrangeinCharge writes:
I hate Chris Simms. However, Matt Simms isn't his brother. For starters (no pun intended) he's not nearly as good...
Simms left Louisville--LOUISVILLE!!! because he didn't get named the starter and the Louisville Cardinals secured a commitment from a JC QB of their own. If he comes here, he'll only have 2 years of eligibility. To date, the kid is most famous for flipping off fans during the New Jersey state championship game and getting his picture taken smoking pot. WHO NEEDS HIM!?!?!?!
BigOrangeinCharge writes:
Oh, and the infamous pic of Simms rolling a joint...
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgur...&tbnh=118&tbnw=89&prev=/images%3Fq%3DMatt%2BSimms%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den
BigOrangeinCharge writes:
Oh, and more on Simms in that NJ state championship game a couple of years ago...
"After every touchdown, Simms taunted the St. Peter's sideline. After taking a knee to end the game, he ran over to the St. Peter's sideline, gave their fans the finger and cursed at them, and continued to taunt the St. Peter's players… After the game, Matt… refused to apologize to the Marauders or their coach. Chris Simms had to man-up, no doubt embarassed by his brother's behavior, and go into the Marauder locker room to apologize to St. Peter's on Matt's behalf."
So it turns out that Chris Simms is the classier of the two brothers... WOW.
BigOrangeinCharge writes:
So the more I read up on him, Matt Simms = Ryan Leaf, but minus Leaf's talent or class. Nice... Surely we can do better than this! Let Alabama have him.
MidTennVol writes:
What?! First I've heard of that. Can you please provide a link to those comments?
douglasawilliams#582863 writes:
Thats my take on the situation. I'm really hoping Tyler Bray turns out to be something special. Its never an exact science in predicting how well a 17 year old will perform during the next 4 years. Crompton, who has all the tools to be an NFL qb, really struggled in the spotlight. It was a relief to finally see him play like he is capable. Hope he finishes strong and we go 8-4. My point is that the intangibles to being a very successful college qb can't all be gleened from elite 11 camps. When he is around all the media attention and in front of 103,000 in a close game will he perform well? Simms and Newton carry too much baggage for UT. Maybe Stephens will start next season and I hope he does well.
VolsFanInNC writes:
I unfortunately can see your point...
tgiles1944#654264 writes:
Tennessee needs to pass on Matt Simms and go after Phillip Sims from Chesapeake, Va. who is a proven winner.
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