Student Athlete of the Week: Jeffery Simmons, Noxubee County HS

[syndicaster id=’5961963′] NOXUBEE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) — If you know college football recruiting, you know the Jeffery Simmons. The six foot four two hundred sixty-two pound defensive end from Noxubee County is on every recruiter’s list. He knows how to win on the field and in the classroom. WCBI’s Jonathan Flippo tells us more about this rising star in this week’s student athlete of the week. Jeffery Simmons knows what it means to be a champion. He’s been on two state championship football teams at Noxubee County. Opposing teams design plays around him, but he still has 34 tackles and seven sacks on the season. The senior is receiving offers from colleges around the country, but says he’s focused on winning the school’s first consecutive state title. “Just you know getting our team focused and come to practice everyday working hard. Keep the outside stuff out and just focus on our team,” said Student Athlete Jeffery Simmons. “We know that everybody has got that bulls eye on our back and everything and that’s where we want to be,” said Head Coach Tyrone Shorter. Simmons is a beast on the defensive front and makes the team click. What many people don’t know, he’s tackling class work with a 3.5 GPA. However, his dedication in the books hasn’t escaped the attention of his teammates. “He’s a really good athlete. He’s a leader on the field, off the field, and in the classroom. He’s just a perfect guy to be around and he has a lot of leadership growing up around him,” said teammate Timorrius Connor. “He’s just unbelievable. He’s a great student athlete. He took care of his business in the classroom and now he’s taking care of business on the football field. He’s the best player in the state of Mississippi and he just makes everybody around him better. It’s just a pleasure to coach a kid like this,” said Shorter. Simmons is a three sport athlete. He’s also on the track and power lifting teams. Now, it’s an injury that’s inspiring his work in the classroom and on the field. “When I went to therapy, I just saw it and I was like I want to do this. I really like what they’re doing and plus you’re helping athletes get back to their regular needs and just helping athletes really,” said Simmons. Simmons hopes once he goes to college, he’ll be remembered at Noxubee more for his work off the gridiron. “In the classroom, off the field, and in the community. I just want to be known, not as the bad guy, but just a guy that’s very respectful,” said Simmons. The Noxubee County Tigers will be on the road again this week as they travel to face Meridian Friday night at 7.