East St. Louis lineman Simms commits to Illinois

Standing 6-foot-5, weighing in at 325 pounds and ranked as one of the top high school offensive tackles in the nation, East St. Louis senior Trevour Simms had a long list of colleges from coast-to-coast he could have chosen.

But in the end, Simms decided to stay home in Illinois.

Ranked as the 45th best offensive linemen in the nation for the Class of 2016 and 14th best player in the state by 247Sports, Simms recently gave a verbal commitment to attend the University of Illinois.

“I like the program, I like the school and I like the coaches,” Simms said on Tuesday. “Plus its close to home and it’s in state. I like the idea of having the chance of helping the program grow.”

“I think it (Illinois) is a program on the rise. Illinois won six games last year and I believe they went to a bowl game. There are good teams in the (SEC) Southeastern Conference who didn’t do that. Winning six games in the Big Ten is a big deal. I think Illinois is a program on the rise and I’m excited about being a part of that.’’

Simms, expected to anchor a talented but young Flyers offensive line this season, said he chose Illinois over a number of top programs including Missouri, Louisville, Purdue and Indiana. The 2015 season will be Simm’ third as a starting lineman for the Flyers.

Illinois showed progress under third-year coach Tim Beckman in 2014. After winning just six games and finishing a combined 1-15 in the Big 10 in his first two seasons in Champaign, Beckman guided the Fighting Illini to a 6-7 mark and its first bowl bid since 2011. Illinois lost to Louisiana Tech 35-18 in the Heart of Dallas Bowl in December.

Although regarded as one of the top offensive tackles in the nation, Simms says he is open to playing anywhere on the Illinois offensive line once he arrives in Champaign 13 months from now. Adjustments for Simms? Just the level of competition and the speed of the game.

“The biggest adjustment for me will be getting used to the speed of the game. With each level you climb, the faster the game becomes. In the Big 10, everybody is good and everybody is big and strong on the offensive line. The game is just faster at the college level than it is in high school,’’ Simms said. “I have played everywhere on the offensive line. I can plan anywhere they need me.

“Why make the decision now? Anything can happen on the football field. If I go down with an injury or something, I’ve given a verbal commitment,’’ Simms said.

One person hoping Simms will have a big high school senior season is East St. Louis coach Darren Sunkett, who is counting on his senior all-stater to help lead the Flyers offensive line. As for his college future, Sunkett sees it as a bright one.

“Trevour is a very good young man who has his goals in mind. He’s got a bright future,’’ Sunkett said. “He excels not only on the football field but in the classroom as well. He is a true student-athlete.’’

“As far as what he needs to improve on at the college level. I think its technique.”

Simms plans on majoring in sports management at Illinois. Among his goals are to get his college degree and be an all Big Ten player as a true freshman.

“Illinois is a great school academically. If you get your college degree from Illinois it goes a long way towards a successful career and life. That was another major reason I chose Illinois,’’ Simms said. “Of course to play college football in the Big Ten will be a dream come true.’’

This story was originally published July 14, 2015 at 9:06 PM with the headline "East St. Louis lineman Simms commits to Illinois."