Western Carolina OT Transfer Derek Simmons Sets Kentucky Visit

Western Carolina transfer offensive lineman Derek Simmons recently emerged on Kentukcy’s radar in the transfer portal. Now, he’s got a visit set.

The 6-foot-6, 325-pound offensive tackle will take an official visit to Kentucky from Dec. 16-17, he tells KSR+. This will be his third visit so far. Simmons has already set visits to Texas Tech (Dec. 9-10), Pittsburgh (Dec. 12-13), and Georgia Tech (Dec. 20-21). He’s looking to commit by Jan. 1.

“I feel like I’ll fit in fine [at Kentucky],” Simmons told KSR+. “[Coach Wolford] is going to coach me up hard and help me figure out what I need to do to be a better football player at that level. It’s just a matter of me working and listening to his ideas and critiques of what I need fixed.”

Derek Simmons’ Game

Derek Simmons began his college career at Tusculum University, where he played in just one game before transferring to Abilene Christian. After spending the 2021 season at Abilene Christian, he transferred to Western Carolina, sitting out the 2022 season due to transfer rules. Simmons played in six games during the 2023 season and 10 games during the 2024 season.

“My greatest strengths are how quickly I get off the ball, whether it’s outside zone or inside zone, and getting to the second level,” Simmons told KSR+.