I don’t believe he is quite that tall, rivals has him listed at 5’11″. Glad to have him though, will add some speed and depth to a weak position.

If he’s 5’11″, that 220 pounds he’s listed at makes him rather heavy for a senior in High School. Something does not seem right with the physical dimensions listed. Regardless, it’s good to get another player that received an offer from another BCS-conference team for IU’s defense.

If he’s a player he’s a player. Mike Singletary was short too. Welcome to IU.

You had me at Florida. We need SEC speed on defense.

The video I saw provides this kid likes to lay the lumber to ball carriers and can get to the QB. Also is quick on his feet.

Singletary was not 220 pounds as a senior in High School. My guess is that Simmons is over 6’0″, but probably not 6’2″. Otherwise, this looks like another solid recruit for our defense, and oh do we need the help on defense.

The next great IU linebacker, no doubt. If Clarion says he’s quick on his feet, that’s enough for me.

I just wish that when these various news outlets reported a kid’s height and weight, it was reliable and consistent information. Take Luke Fischer for example. He’s listed at 6’10″ in one article and then 7’0″ in another article. How tall is he? For people who follow college recruiting, it’s nice to know the correct information.

I agree, Hoosier Clarion seems to be plugged in on this information, so if he says that Simmons is quick on is feet, I’ll believe it until I see otherwise. Now, if the young man knows how to tackle, he may be an automatic for IU’s Hall of Fame.

We need a few more Joe Normans!

Podunker, did you see the picture after the Coppin STate game which had Cody and the Coppin State center looking right at each other, eyeball to eyeball (the main picture in the game story). I saw it and laguhed:

“That conversation is way over my head,: I thought.

__________
The difference between 7′

____________
and 6’10 is about this much.

Half that between a 6′ and a 5’11″ lb _______________

_________________

Don’t think it makes much difference.

Journalists do not do the measurements. Their coaches and physicians do and report them. They’ll always likely take the version that most benefits the player who has been playing for them for 3-4 years. And, then there are issue of whether or not the measurement was done in socks, cleats or bare feet, whether it was morning or late afternoon (we all lose about 1/2″ depending on the time of day).

__________________________ ________________________

______________________

________________________

I do agree there are generally some ‘floors’ for a LB. You would want him tall enough to ‘bother’ the vertical field of vision of the QB, etc. And, while I don’t think a 5’8″ or even 5’9″ linebacker is a great idea as a ‘model’ recruit, I see nothing wrong when we are talking about a LB 5’11″. Quality, not size, matters (if you are going to ask me what does ‘quality’ include, I would enter intelligence, strength, quickness, speed, vertical leap (standing, running start), focus, learning mode, vision, intuition…all of (and I could add some others) which would be as important to much more important than the space between this and this (on the vertical).

The pictures I saw of the most recent signing are of one BIG, STRONG dude.

The spacing did not come out right when I entered the ‘sizes’…you get the idea. We’re picking fly doo-doo out of pepper.

Tsao, I used to be a sports reporter, many, many years ago (Chicago Tribune, suburban insert and IDS). In addition, I used to scout High School and JC football for IU (also several decades ago). One of the responsibilities for both jobs was to try to obtain accurate height and weight stats on the players. It was kind of a joke back then too. One time a High School introduced me to a football player that was listed at 6’1″ and 210 pounds. I’m standing face to face to this teenager and he’s shorter than I am at 6’0″. And if he was 210 pounds, I weighed 400!

Hire a nurse or a paramedic if you want accuracy. Two seconds and they can tell you within an inch and 5 lbs.

Po, like you I had a long career as a reporter, sports reporter, columnist and eventually editor-in-chief in the same market. Within our means, we attempt to get and publish the most accurate description possible but I have yet to see a reporter who carries tape or will stand on a bench to measure a kid. That’s why my view of the picture of Cody and the Coppin State player was of a ‘dialogue above my head”/ As you know, we normally would look at the program and ask, if necessary. And, generally, question only apparent significant differences.

Having said that, when I’m asked I am (in stockings) 6′ 4 1/3″, in shoes 6’6″ or so, depending on who’s asking. When measured, I come out at 5′ 7 1/4″…and don’t forget the 1/4″.

Po, do you still live in Chicago?

Chet, yeah…I’ve noticed…scary.

Dunbar,

Find the video of T.J. Simmons, watch it twice, then post your opinion about what you saw of him. Hell, the last thing I fear is your opinion.

The kid looks like an NFL strong safety. Depending on the defense and personnel we have I wouldn’t be surprised to see him land there. If he’s really 230 (I doubt it) his lateral movement is incredible.

He’s also well coached and has a 3.2 GPA. What’s not to love?

Exactly, Chet. Why would he not be someone this staff would want if for nothing more than his versatility. His moves reminds me of the videos I saw of IU’s DE Zach Shaw as a HS LB and how fast he got into the backfield or to the ball carrier. A keeper!

Tsao, no, but I still consider it my “home town.”