Top RB loves family atmosphere

Florida is starting to load up on running backs to fuel their tough run game.

2015 Lakeland (Fla.) Christian running back T.J. Simmons was offered by Florida last month and was in Gainesville last week for Friday Night Lights.

“I did pretty good out there,” Simmons said. “I was with some highly talented running backs and athletes. I feel like I did well. I came in as a young guy and I feel humbled to be able to be out there with the older guys. I was just excited to be out there and compete with those guys.”

The 6-foot, 195-pound Simmons was on Florida’s campus in June and was quick to return because of the Gator coaches and environment in Gainesville.

“I love the atmosphere at Florida,” Simmons said.  “The football atmosphere is great, the fan club is great too. And mainly the coaches they really care about me and want what’s best for me. Coach (Brian) White tells me what I need to work on and what I don’t need to work on. It shows me how much they care about me. I love the family atmosphere at Florida.”

While Simmons still has a long way to go in his recruitment, he says he talks to one school more than others.

“Right now I’m taking it easy and seeing all of my options,” Simmons said. “But Florida definitely stands out. I talk to Florida mostly because they are the instate schools and I want to stay close to home. I talk to Florida a lot.”

Simmons is coming off an ACL injury and he says that he has major goals this season. Simmons is grateful that Florida has stuck by him as he recovers from his injury.

“My goal is to rush for 2,000 yards this year,” Simmons said. “I have big goals for myself and I want to show Florida what I can do since they stuck by me with my leg injury when other schools didn’t.”

Simmons says he will visit Florida this fall for a game.

 

Andrew Spivey
Andrew always knew he wanted to be involved with sports in some capacity. He began by coaching high school football for six years before deciding to pursue a career in journalism. While coaching, he was a part of two state semifinal teams in the state of Alabama. Given his past coaching experience, he figured covering recruiting would be a perfect fit. He began his career as an intern for Rivals.com, covering University of Florida football recruiting. After interning with Rivals for six months, he joined the Gator Country family as a recruiting analyst. Andrew enjoys spending his free time on the golf course and watching his beloved Atlanta Braves. Follow him on Twitter at @AndrewSpiveyGC.