Simon heads to LSU for a midweek trip

The LSU football staff will host one of the nation’s best running backs when James Simon heads to campus for a midweek visit in Baton Rouge.

The 2025 Shreveport (La.) Calvary Baptist running back will arrive at LSU on Wednesday and stay on campus through Thursday. The trip will give Simon a chance to take in an LSU practice on Thursday, as well as meet with the coaches and staff across his two-day stay.

Simon is one of three Louisiana running backs the Tigers have offered in the 2025 class. He’s joined on the short list of early targets by St. Martin’s Harlem Berry and Opelousas’ D’Shaun Ford.

All three remain uncommitted, and LSU running backs coach Frank Wilson has yet to take a commitment from a 2024 or 2025 running back.

The Tigers signed two 2023 running backs in Louisiana four-stars Trey Holly and Kaleb Jackson.

LSU gets into the mix early with Simon

Simon landed an offer from the LSU staff in early-March.

A few weeks later, the Shreveport four-star debuted inside the On3 Top 300 for the 2025 class.

Simon is ranked by On3 as the No. 110 overall prospect in the country, the No. 8 running back in the class and the No. 3 prospect in Louisiana.

On3 Director of Scouting Charles Power circled the combination of size, quickness and pass-catching abilities as what stands out about Simon. Simon checked in as the state’s No. 2 running back behind Berry.

“James Simon is different than Harlem Berry. I think if you’re comparing these guys stylistically, he’s a bigger back,” Power said. “Does not have quite the burst, obviously. Few do of Harlem Berry, but he is a big back who as a runner is probably going to thrive most between the tackles. Much quicker than fast. I think the biggest thing we want to see from him moving forward is just the top gear. I think he is a guy who can play all three downs. He’s a very good pass catcher, you can see that in 7-on-7. I think he’s on the high end just from the ball skills and comfortability in the pass game.”

Simon recorded 1,005 yards and 22 touchdowns on 138 carries in 12 games this past season. He also showed off some ability in the pass game, catching nine balls for 122 yards and three touchdowns.

“He’s a guy I think can do a lot of different things. Very well-rounded,” Power explained. “Probably doesn’t have the flash or wow factor of some other running backs. A guy you put in your running back room and you can do a lot of different things with him.

“We just want to see the top gear, continue to increase his production as a junior, but I think he showed some encouraging signs as a sophomore.”

2025 brings an impressive crop of running back prospects

With both Berry and Simon ranked as Top 10 running backs nationally, and Ford also holding an in-state offer from the Tigers, Power said the 2025 running back class is one that could bring good news for programs like LSU.

“We think this group of 2025 running backs at the top is very good at this stage. To be honest, (On3 Scouting and Rankings Assistant Cody Bellaire) and I came away thinking that the top three (running back prospects), who all rank in the Top 20 for us in this initial release, would really contend for the top running back prospect in 2024, as well. At least when you’re looking at long-term potential.”

LSU leads the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine for Simon over Louisiana Tech, where his brother John Simon is committed. Simon’s father, John Simon Sr., played at Louisiana Tech and is now an assistant coach at Grambling.