Wyatt Simmons is a 6’3” 215lbs 3-star linebacker for Harding Academy in Searcy, AR. The Harding Academy Wildcats are having themselves a fantastic season being 9-0 on the year and looking to continue their winning culture. The senior has not just played linebacker for his team, he can also run the ball. Throughout this season, Wyatt has over 55 yards and five touchdowns on the offensive side of the ball. Linebacker is where he excels. He is a versatile linebacker who can go out in coverage, but can also rush the quarterback. Having over 50 tackles, Wyatt is one of the teams leading tacklers on the team. Wyatt is continuing his football career after this year by committing to Arkansas and becoming a Razorback.
I recently had a chance to interview Wyatt Simmons:
Q: When did you start playing football?
“I started playing football in the 7th grade.”
Q: What are your hobbies off of the football field?
“Being with people, my friends, when we are with each other everyone gets to decided something that we do. When I get to decided I like to pick outdoor things like cliff jumping, riding, or disc golf.”
Q: What is your favorite football memory?
“My favorite football memory is one day when it was raining, before practice, we went out to the field and were throwing things on the roof and sliding through the huge puddles on the field. It was a small memory like that and bonding with my team that makes this event so special to me.”
Q: What are your biggest strengths on the football field?
“My speed and effort are my biggest strengths.”
Q: What have you worked on over the offseason to improve your game?
“I worked on my side to side speed. This is benificial to me as a linebacker because changing direction and cutting angles will help me close the gap to the ball and to get a tackle. I also worked on gaining weight for this season.”
Q: What have you learned about yourself while playing football?
“I’ve have learned multiple different reasons on why and ways I push through pain and how to overcome them.”
Q: Besides football, do you play any other sports?
“The only other sport I have played is basketball. Basketball helped me with my hand eye coordination for football.”
Q: Have you always played linebacker?
“This is my second year at linebacker. Before that, I’ve played receiver and defensive end.
Q: What is your favorite accomplishment so far in your football career?
“It would have to be having the ability to fight for the guy around me and put out the best football I can.”
Q: As a LB do you prefer to cover more or rush the quarterback?
“I would have to say rushing the quarterback. The way I feel after sacking a quarterback nothing can compare.”
Q: What is your personal goal for the season?
“To be 100% where I try to be always and play to the best of my abilities.”
Q: How would you describe yourself as a leader of this team?
“I try to lead by example. Showing people how to practice and play hard. I try to pick them up when they need it. I’m always trying to bring energy and push the guys around me to do the best that they are capable.”
Q: Who would you say your biggest role model is?
“My biggest role model has to be my Dad. He loves me in an incredible way. I want to make him proud and show him I’m giving my best on and off the football field.”
Q: What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced on the field?
“The biggest challenge I’ve faced is just the mental aspect of playing the game. Being able to show up every day and push through something uncomfortable for hours, is something that I can have challenges with. I will always push through, however.”
Q: What do you think you still need to improve on throughout the remainder of this season?
“I need to continue working on keeping my head up and making plays in the open field. Obviously, there is always room to grow at any point in ones career, but making sure my fundamentals on open field tackling improve that will aways help my playing ability.”
Q: How would your teammates describe you?
“I hope my teammates would describe me as hard working and someone that cares about people. Also, someone that they could talk to, not just the football player.”
Q: How was the recruiting process for you?
“The recruiting process was a lot at the beginnning, but I was able to keep up with it. As it slowed down it was just an incredible experience. New things coming at me every day and I loved it. It was a once in a lifetime experience.”
Q: What made you want to choose Arkansas as the college you’ll be attending next year?
“I love Coach Pittman and Coach Williams, and I loved the culture. Proximity to my home also played a big factor as it was one of the closest schools that were offereing to me.”
Q: What is something you want your college coaches to know about you for the next upcoming year?
“I’m all in! I can’t wait to get up there and work for you! Show all of you what I have to offer!”
Q: What is one thing you are looking forward to playing football at the next level?
“I’m looking forward to the change in culture. I’m going from experiencing a small town like scenery to a place like Fayetteville. I am excited to learn and grow as a player and a person in this next part of my life.”
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