Colin Simmons could bring home hardware during his first season on the 40 Acres
Texas EDGE Colin Simmons hasn’t even played 10 games yet in his Texas career, but he’s a candidate to bring some hardware back to Austin. Simmons was named a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award on Wednesday, an honor given annually by the Maxwell Football Club to the most outstanding freshman in college football.
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Simmons was on the preseason watch list along with Ryan Wingo, who was not one of the 14 semifinalists.
So far this season as the Longhorns’ backup Buck and as an often-used pass-rusher, Simmons has tallied 23 tackles. His 7.5 tackles for loss are second on the team, as are his 4.0 sacks and four quarterback hurries. He’s second among FBS freshmen in sacks and his 4.0 sacks have him No. 9 among freshman in school history.
His standout game this season was a seven-tackle, 3.0-TFL, 2.0-sack, one-forced fumble performance against Mississippi State. He also notched five-tackle games versus UTSA and Michigan.
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There are a number of star freshmen (and as the list will show, redshirt freshmen) who are up for the honor. No Longhorn has won the award, and it may be a challenge for Simmons considering Trey Moore starts ahead of him.
To be considered one of the best true freshmen in college football, however, is a sign of bright things to come for the Duncanville (Texas) product.
Colin Simmons, EDGE, Texas
2024 stats: 23 tackles (15 solo), 7.5 TFL, 4.0 sacks, 1 forced fumble
The other candidates in alphabetical order…
Ryan Williams, WR, Alabama
2024 stats: 35 receptions, 702 yards, 7 TDs, 1 rushing TD
Jordan Seaton, OT, Colorado
2024 stats: 65.5 Pro Football Focus offensive grade, has started every game at left tackle
KJ Bolden, S, Georgia
2024 stats: 29 tackles (20 solo), 1.0 TFL, 1.0 sack, 1 interception, 1 pass defended
Isaac Brown, RB, Louisville
2024 stats: 106 carries, 800 yards, 7 TDs, 26 receptions, 131 yards, 1 TD, 11 kick returns, 193 yards
Kerry Brown, S, Minnesota
2024 stats: 43 tackles (22 solo), 3.0 TFL, 2 INT, 2 passes defended
Koi Perich, S, Minnesota
2024 stats: 16 tackles (10 solo), 5 interceptions, 1 forced fumble
Dylan Raiola, QB, Nebraska
2024 stats: 176-for-272 (65%), 1921 yards, 10 TDs, 8 INTs
Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
2024 stats: 39 receptions, 678 yards, 8 TDs, 1 rushing TD
Anthony Donkoh, OL, Penn State
2024 stats: 73.2 Pro Football Focus offensive grade, started every game at right tackle
Eli Holstein, QB, Pittsburgh
2024 stats: 167-for-263 (64%), 2056 yards, 17 TDs, 6 INTs, 72 carries, 305 yards, 3 TDs
Dylan Stewart, EDGE, South Carolina
2024 stats: 16 tackles (13 solo) 7.5 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, 2 forced fumbles
Nico Iamaleava, QB, Tennessee
2024 stats: 136-for-208 (65%), 1705 yards, 9 TDs, 4 INTs, 193 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD
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Josiah Trotter, LB, West Virginia
2024 stats: 57 tackles (26 solo), 2.5 TFL, 0.5 sacks, 1 INT, 2 passes defended
