Hugh Freeze‘s Auburn Breakthrough: Alexander City Athlete Malcolm Simmons Commits
In a breakthrough move, Auburn University has secured the commitment of Alexander City athlete Malcolm Simmons. Under the guidance of head coach Hugh Freeze, the Tigers have made recruiting local talent a priority, recognizing the significance of winning battles in their own backyard before expanding their search nationally.
Simmons, a standout player from Benjamin Russell School, announced his commitment to Auburn via Instagram on Saturday afternoon. The Tigers’ efforts in recruiting Simmons paid off, as they successfully beat out competition from schools such as Arkansas, Troy, West Virginia, and Georgia Tech.
Simmons showcased his exceptional skills on the football field during his junior campaign, where he led the Wildcats in rushing with 753 yards and 11 touchdowns. Additionally, he recorded over 500 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, becoming a prolific scoring threat for his team. On the defensive front, Simmons also made an impact, securing one interception.
Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 165 pounds, Simmons currently holds the No. 365 spot in the 247Sports composite rankings of overall players. Beyond his football prowess, Simmons also excels in track and field.
With Freeze at the helm, Auburn’s renewed focus on local talent has proven fruitful. Simmons’ commitment demonstrates Freeze’s understanding of the importance of recruiting within Auburn’s own community before expanding the search nationwide. By securing Simmons’ commitment, the Tigers have solidified their local presence and added a promising athlete to their roster.
This commitment not only highlights Auburn’s commitment to talent within their own region but also signifies a shifting approach compared to the previous regime. Under former head coach Bryan Harsin, local high school football coaches felt neglected in terms of recruiting. Auburn-area prospects often found themselves overlooked by their hometown team. However, with the arrival of Freeze, the narrative has transformed, with local high school coaches feeling prioritized and prospects like Simmons receiving the attention they deserve.
Simmons’ decision to commit to Auburn comes after trending towards the Tigers earlier in the week. The efforts made by Freeze and his recruiting team ultimately proved successful, securing a promising player who can make a significant impact on both sides of the ball.
As the Tigers continue their recruiting efforts, Simmons’ commitment offers a strong foundation for building a formidable team in the future. With Freeze leading the way, Auburn aims to capitalize on local talent and ensure the program’s success within the highly competitive SEC.
As Auburn celebrates this breakthrough, fans and supporters eagerly await Simmons’ contributions on the field. His exceptional skills and versatility make him a dynamic asset for the Tigers, reaffirming Auburn’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and prioritizing their community.
