4-star WR Corey Simms commits to USC: 'It is the total package'

St. Louis Christian Brothers College wide receiver Corey Simms was focused on Missouri, Penn State and USC going into official visits. The four-star kept an open mind throughout each visit. He and his family listened to the coaches, they paid attention to each presentation, the looked over what each school had to offer on and off the field, then a few days ago, they decided on USC.

“After my last official visit, I came home, talked things out with my parents for a couple of days, and that is when I made the decision on USC,” Simms told On3. “I went back and forth for a while, and it was a hard decision because I had to find where I belonged on and off the field. The official visits changed things a lot for me and they had a big impact on my decision.

“Each school laid the red carpet out, they showed me everything they could and would do with me if I went there and the visit to USC helped them a lot. I saw everything USC had to offer. It is the total package.

“Lincoln Riley is one of the best coaches in the country, he has one of the best offenses in the country, USC offers great academics and I get to live in Los Angeles attending one of the best schools in the country.”

It was ‘more than football’ with USC

Of course, each school laid out its plan for Simms on the official visits. The goal for each staff is to hit on the key points that relates to the recruits they have on campus. With Simms, what set USC apart was what they had to offer off the field

“USC talked about what I would do after football,” Simms said. “They showed me the opportunities after football. Yes, I love the offense and all of that, but life after football was big for me and my decision. I love the people, I love the city of L.A. and I love the options I will have out there. That made a big difference for me. With USC, it is more than football.”

Simms is excited about playing for Lincoln Riley at USC

USC checked all of the boxes for Simms. His decision was based on just football. The No. 293 prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking likes the education USC offers. The opportunities after football are endless. Those were part of the decision, but the offense, the stability of the head coach and the overall football program appealed to Simms as well.

“Coach Riley made a big impact on me,” Simms said. “We have talked on the phone a lot and he challenged me. I would be on the phone with him while working out and he would tell me things I could do better. That alone showed me he cared and we built a strong relationship.

“He is a great coach, but he is a down to earth person too. Coach Riley treats everyone the same, he has respect for all of his players and he doesn’t sugar-coat anything. He cares about his players and wants the best for his guys.”

Riley factors into Simms’ commitment in a big way. Wide receivers coach Dennis Simmons did too.

“Me and coach Simmons have a great relationship. We love talking football, he always checks in on me and he is like another father figure. I trust in him, I know he will guide me on and off the field and help me.”