Michigan State lands 2025 in-state DT Derrick Simmons
Michigan State has received another 2025 commitment, this time in defensive tackle Derrick Simmons of Frankenmuth (Mich.) High School. He announced his commitment via social media on June 27. Simmons (6-3, 290) has flown a bit under the radar over in Frankenmuth, receiving his Michigan State offer in mid-May.
Simmons spent the weekend of June 14 in East Lansing for an official visit. He holds additional offers from Illinois, Purdue, Northwestern, Vanderbilt and Boston College, among others. Simmons took an official visit to Cincinnati on June 7, along with trips to Purdue and Illinois at the end of the month.
Michigan State defensive coordinator Joe Rossi made his way to Frankenmuth in May to evaluate Simmons. Rossi sent the video to defensive line coach Legi Suiaunoa, who pulled the trigger with an offer within days of reviewing Simmons’ film.
Simmons is ranked a three-star, the No. 1044 overall recruit in the 2025 On3 Industry Rankings. He is also ranked the No. 88 defensive lineman and the No. 22 recruit in Michigan.
When reviewing his junior film, the bull-rushing defensive tackle’s explosiveness and strength is the first thing that stands out. Simmons is built like a bowling ball and gets in the backfield in a hurry. He also plays offensive line and throws shot-put for Frankenmuth.
Simmons enjoys Michigan State’s new defensive scheme under Rossi and company. The scheme allows defensive tackles to play aggressively and get into the backfield.
“I find that their scheme is set up to make plays,” Simmons said. “It’s not a gap scheme, but more of an attacking scheme. It’s a good fit, not necessarily just the freedom, but the destructiveness of it all, to express my talents on the field and not just play the gap. I find that very appealing.”
Michigan State now holds 14 commitments in its 2025 class. California quarterback Leo Hannan, California offensive lineman Drew Nichols, Ohio wide receiver Braylon Collier, Texas receiver Charles Taplin, Wisconsin tight end Emmett Bork, in-state tight end Jayden Savoury, in-state offensive lineman Justin Bell, and in-state running back Jace Clarizio round out the class on the offensive side of the ball.
In-state linebackers Charles White and DiMari Malone, Ohio defensive end Cal Thrush, along with Florida safety George Mullins and Maryland cornerback Aydan West join Simmons on the defensive side of the ball.
