Matt Simms' teammates wouldn't have recognized him as a freshman.
The junior quarterback who has received most of the first-team snaps during spring practice wasn't the confident leader Tennessee's football team is growing accustomed to having.
So what has changed since Simms left Louisville in 2009?
"Man," Simms said Wednesday, pausing to reflect. "Everything, really. Just being more mature. At Louisville, I was just young - and a punk. I finally grew up a little bit and finally took initiative into being a better person."
The 11 months at El Camino Community College in Torrance, Calif., were key.
"Junior college is just backyard football," Simms said. "Throw it to the open guy and have fun. You don't have to worry about all the fans and that stuff. It's just 40 people watching you, so it's just go out and have fun and get better."
There's a thousand ways to nitpick a quarterback. Delivery, arm strength and awareness come to mind.
Simms, however, had a tougher obstacle to overcome. By his admission, he had a confidence issue when he left Louisville.
"That was probably my biggest problem at Louisville, was just towards the end of my career there I was questioning myself and not just going out and playing the position like I know how to do," said Simms, the son of former NFL quarterback Phil Simms and the brother of former Texas quarterback Chris Simms, now with the Tennessee Titans.
UT's former staff under coach Lane Kiffin questioned whether they should offer Simms a scholarship, finally doing so months after evaluating him.
The Vols might have even offered Cameron Newton a scholarship instead had the former Florida quarterback not been suspended for the first half of the game that UT's coaches were there to evaluate him.
Eventually (after exhausting every other option), Kiffin decided he'd take character potential over athletic potential. The decision is now paying off for a player who is garnering praise from his teammates for his leadership and swagger.
"I don't see how he had confidence issues," defensive end Chris Walker said, obviously surprised by the question. "We were just talking yesterday about how he is confident and he knows his ability. He knew coming in, he was like 'I want that starting position.'
"He knew that if he worked hard enough it was going to be his. That's what he's doing right now, playing like a quarterback in the SEC. We're looking forward to riding with him."
Walker said he's seen a self-assured Simms since Simms arrived at UT in December. Now, he sees a more assertive leader since fifth-year senior Nick Stephens left the team last week.
"Since Nick quit, he's had to be that leader and jump in the huddle and be like 'Hey, we've got to get this done.' " Walker said. "That's something I was encouraged by."
It was fair to wonder how Simms' confidence might be affected when he struggled in last Saturday's scrimmage.
Even though he's only worked with Simms for a few weeks, offensive coordinator Jim Chaney knew he didn't need to chide Simms for an off day.
"You don't need to be tough on Matt," Chaney said. "Matt is hard on himself, and that's what's going to make him a good player. He's determined to be a good player. With that will, it will show up. He'll be fine."
Simms said he's ready for the throngs of fans again, whether that's 20,000 for Saturday's glorified scrimmage or 100,000 in Neyland Stadium this fall.
"Oh yeah, definitely," Simms said. "That's something you look forward to when you come to a place like this. I'm just super excited putting on orange or white. I hate wearing this green (non-contact jersey).
"Like a fine wine, over time you learn to get better at certain things."
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
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Comments » 51
BillyVol writes:
Hey, I am so ole, who cares about being first. Hope Matt works so hard he can't be refused.
99gator writes:
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil
Seriouslyorange writes:
Class act, and not stuffed shirt type! As he said"I'll be fine" And he will!
GO BIG ORANGE !!
DaddyVol writes:
Hook is getting better on his postings, but he still had to give just one little Kiffy kissy in here.
Maybe he secretly has a crush on the sexiest girl in California.
jcherrie#219531 writes:
The punk will do well :)
Gator_Hater (Inactive) writes:
I just hope he comes through the season unscathed. With the experience the backfield and line will gather this year, and with those freshman wideouts, he could be poised for a big senior year. Build some depth at o-line in next year's recruiting class and we'll be in business for 2011!
Lostvolinhighweeds writes:
For I am the badest (fill in the blank) in the whole damn valley.
jhayes0926#638474 writes:
Hope he listens to his daddy and Chaney a lot this yr. From this armchair qb, I think this is a good move, considering Bray needs a yr. of filling out and learning the ropes. Hard for a true freshman to play qb in the SEC.
Mule_Days_King writes:
Is it a coincidence that little Chrissy Simms signs a deal with the Titans just as Matt is taking the reigns at UT? Maybe it's just the conspiracy theorist in me because I watch too much "24".
Cldvols1 writes:
Make Vol Nation proud Simms! GBO
transplantiam writes:
His dad wasn't the toughest,(but close) fastest, strongest, etc, but he had a head for the game. What he lacked in physical attributes he made up for with grit. He wasn't fancy; didn't stay in the spotlight, just did the job. Enough so for BP to trust him to win the Super Bowl. If Matt is even 75% of that, we'll be ok.
GO VOLS!!
iowavol writes:
I hear you about the O-line, but a couple of big time SEC hits might just be what the boy needs. Nothing like being cold-cocked to get your adrenaline going.
always_vol (Inactive) writes:
You know, this just hit me, kind of hard:
we are discussing a team that used to draw in 4 and 5 star QB prospects, sometimes 2 at a time;
Now??
A juco and a true freshman are ouor future, plus a the really bright kid form Georgia coming in with Rogers.
From the looks of this bunch, don't be surprised if the Georgia kid beats them out with pure brainpower. Simms and Bray may be all-right players, but most likely aren't star potential.
Anyway, we seem to be back to the Majors days, when you never knew if your QB was worth a darn or not. We got lucky with a few like Andy Kelley. Others?? Journeymen.
Docrok writes:
Well obviously you have not read the scouting reports on Bray or heard what the coaches have said! The kid as Excellent Accuracy! According to the analysts Bray had the most upside of any QB evaluated out of this years stock! So its unlikely he is a "journeyman"
RCVOLIN10 writes:
Exactly what i thought. What a joke.
volsnationalchamps writes:
Tyler is the QB of future, he was a 4 star recruit, I say redshirt him if at all possible. Let him get stronger and work him and Simms next yr and see if Bray beats him out. No need to get the future crushed this season with a team that may win 5 - 6 games. Next season should be better with experience these young kids will get this year.
That said I think Simms should do us good this season for what we have. He was pretty highly recruited guy as well and if comes to form should have ok season as long as line holds up for him. We have some outstanding recievers and tight end to get the ball to. We will be rooting for you Simms, GO VOLS!!!
FearTheVols1252 writes:
Yeah, we used to get 5-star QB’s like Crompton… it only took him to the mid point of his senior season before he learned how to throw a ball. Stars mean squat!!!
QB_10 (Inactive) writes:
Check back in about 8 months and then evaluate, sort of like Dooley saying trust has to be earned over time.
tennrich1 writes:
YOu beat me too it Docrok...my thoughts exactly...when someone makes a comment like that he should at least know the facts...Bray was highly recruited and a four star....His size maybe...not sure...kept him from a 5 star...maybe...He just needs to get stronger...he "slings" it like a true QB...
tnsportsman writes:
IMO, Simms has the starting QB job to lose. I think Bray will be ready as #2, after all he would be only one play away if something bad happens, heavan forbid. Nash Nance will have a chance and be in the mix in the Fall when he gets there. IMO, Nance redshirts and Lamaison will be #3.
Simms will be just fine and if the Team believes and trust him as their leader, that is 60% of the battle! It's been a while since other players have been speaking up and endorsing a UT QB as their leader.
GO VOLS!
GerryOP writes:
Not that the pretenders have been weeded out, we have a contender.
Please, a moment of silence for all of the Nickster pumpers. (Chirp, chirp) Thank you.
gnm53108 writes:
I'll admit I was really pullin for em.
Oh well.Good luck Nick.
Go Matt and go VOLS!
GerryOP writes:
Hope on board gnm! There is still plenty of room on the Dooley bus ... but the seats are goin' fast!
142 -- Fear The Dooley Dude...
gnm53108 writes:
Oh I'll be on the Dooley wagon allright.
I'll get on any damn wagon thats orange n white.I'm impressed with CD so far.Just a little skeptical till I see toe meet pigskin.Dont worry,thanks to you I know I've got 142 days of koolaid drinkin to get the ole expectations back to where a Tennessee fan's are supposed to be.
Frost brewed of course.
GerryOP writes:
Hey gnm, after what the program has been through the past two years, everyone should reserve a little skepticism! Dooley appears to be on the right road ... still has miles to go. But things are lookin' good. A preview will be available on Saturday. Keep sippin' the Kool-Aid!
Peace Vol bro...
TommyJack writes:
You experts may rue the day Dooley let NS get away.
DC_Vol writes:
Exactly Crompton was a five star recruit coming out of high school. Fulmer had four years (a red shirt year) and was not able to develop Crompton into a passable QB at the SEC level. Kiffin took one year to develop Crompton into an SEC Level QB whose passing statistics, yards, especially touchdown passes and overall statistics were better than Tim Tebow.
Fulmer was not developing the recruits, some of the best talent in the country, he recruited consistently year in and year out from about 2005 onward. His inability to develop talent and coach showed up in the win loss columns.
Fulmer was great for many years, but he lost the fire and desire to put in the time and coaching necessary. It happens to the best.
givehim6 writes:
No bigorangenation I'd say daddy Phil had a bit to do with that one. He has both his boys in tennssee now one in the pros one in collage. his way he can try to make stars of both. I thank he wants to be the next Archy Manning.
CoverOrange writes:
If I remember correctly, yes. Two things led him away, Jon Crompton was seen as entrenched as the QB for the next two years and Cutcliffe left. He should have known better than to go to Louisville after Petrino left but he thought he could be a four year starter there.
CroKev writes:
Maybe Hooker is Kiffin's punk...
AllVol2008#1353998 writes:
No kidding!
DooleyNoted writes:
Sounds tough, unlike the pansies that have quit the team.
Major_Magilicutty writes:
For just one season, which by many accounts will be filled with a few losses anyway.
Southland writes:
we also had junior college transfers back under Majors. Juco' are dangerous to make your living off of and often a crime waiting to happen but that is true of the Simms kid. The coach kept saying he would be good and that is all we can expect good, not great. It will be two-three years before we can see the Vols on the level of Fulmers teams of old. For all the Fulmer bashers-and I became one of them-lets not forget what he gave us in the 90' and even a bit of it after that. That was some sweet times minus our play against Florida and Fulmer had caught onto Spurrier and was beating him. He wasnt fresh enough in his thinking to deal with Meyers and had lost his fire.
QB_10 (Inactive) writes:
Interesting: Nick Lamisian former JC school played against Matt Simms in 09, Simms throws 2 pick 6 in the game, then gets benched the last 4 games of the year...No one else wanted Simms from El Camino excpet UT..lets see how this plays out..I still believe some Craig James, I mean Phil Simms, Major Applewhite politics is happening at UT...But the great thing about UT is if Dooley isnt making progress in 3 years a new coach, AD and University President will be heading the ship...sould be an interesting year in KnoxVegas
99gator writes:
i guess that fulmer, kiffin and dooley would not qualify as experts.
i'll offer my "expert" opinion. if the qb situation at tennessee were like a game of poker, tennessee would be forced to bluff.
hopefully, for vol fans, tennessee will not be in that position as tyler bray gets older and more experienced.
RockyTopRenegade writes:
CDD was talking weeks ago about the difference in how a team plays that loves it's QB.
This is the first time in recent memory that the players are talking about how nice it is to have a fired-up, clear-cut QB.
This is a big deal for the team, no matter how much fun the trolls make of it.
As far as talent goes, will gladly take a 1 star QB ( not saying Simms is or isn't ) that the team plays for than a big-time big-deal 5 star that most of the team chuckles when he gets sacked.
CadmiumOchre (Inactive) writes:
Listen, Crompton was beat up on enough. He's gone now. Let it go. The kid proved he had what it takes despite being screwed over by "resting on his laurels" coach, merciless fans, and diabolic media circus. I think it's time to let whatever vendetta you have against the guy go and at least try to wish him the very best at the next level. had you and I dare say 99% of the Jonathan haters here been put through what he endured, you'd have collapsed like spineless squid dropped into the gravity well of a Jovian gas giant. But unlike you, Jon got up off the ground, marched back into the fray and in the end showed the haters and spiteful what being a MAN actually meant. However, some of you haters didn't learn a darn thing about being a man so this whole post is probably a sordid waste of time.
CadmiumOchre (Inactive) writes:
I hope we don't rue it. BUT I wish he had stayed. I honestly believe he should have been our QB. I liked his 'tude, and I believe he had the tools and was more than ready to strut his stuff in games. But what is done is done. Basically, he told DD he didn't cotton to being reduced to 2nd string after all the time, patience and effort he'd put into the UT football. Thus unless he was THE QB he was moving on. DD basically told him if he felt that way, do what was best for him, so Nick left. It's done. Much as i wanted him to stay and be on the field, it's done.
700Nitro writes:
So was Goliath.
QB_10 (Inactive) writes:
I agree, but the reality is in the Thursday practice several players saw what Dooley was doing, he set NS up with plays and forced him to throw into triple coverage--whilke Simms got all the single coverage--Just wait you will see soon enough--I really feel for these players this year
scvols writes:
He has not proved anything yet, maybe Saturday....
kman29 writes:
Im not going to know the kid. Dont know how good he will be or not. As none of us do with any of these highschool kids that have never played a significant down of college football, but to say a kid was "highly recruited" is a bit off when Tennessee's only competition for him was San Diego State. Highly recruited is when your looking at offers from Texas, USC, Oklahoma, Notre Dame ect..not San Diego State.
RammerJammer123 writes:
Dont bust the dreams of the Viles...
AtLeastMyTeamHasPerfectSeasons writes:
As much as redshirting Bray would make us happy I believe Tyler NEEDS to game experience this year and not just in a backup role. If Simms gets the starting job I would still like to see Bray come into a game thats close for some golden game time. Even if he never starts this year, I hope the only time we see him ISN'T when we are up 35-7 over UTMartin and 27-9 over Memphis.
vols2#227315 writes:
Hope Bray get to play saturday and show Simm what a real quarterback looks like, then Simm can trasfer again. Tennessee used to not have to have reject from other schools(Louisville) to play quarterbacks.
Volin68 writes:
Uh...? Wrong nitro, that'd be David. Goliath thought he was. David knew he was. That's why he wrote the Psalm.
illinoisvolfan writes:
Maybe Hooker is talking about Fast Lane's son. You know, Knox or Troy, whatever his name is now.
Smokey_Chow writes:
My thoughts exactly
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Amen.
As a "Fear the Nickster" proponent who saw that evaporate, I hope Simms can bring it.
Nance may not have a redshirt year.
Just an opine from a bonafide Geezer for Dooley official Sports 1 tee shirt wearing dude, hopefully with a cold Killian's in his mitt.
Sold a lot of cans to make this trek.
Probably have a Ralph's apple fritter down as well.
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