Interview: 2023 Arkansas QB Cedric Simmons Proving Doubters Wrong On and Off the Field

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

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When one or a group of people put a good man down, the character of how that man, or in this case, young man, responds tells the world all they need to know. After a freshman season playing varsity football for Malvern High School, doubters had the audacity to try Class of 2023 quarterback Cedric “Ced” Simmons. But all that negative talk backfired in 2020 when Simmons showed he is an elite national recruit.

The thought that one could not wrap their head around how impressive of a freshman season Simmons turned in during the 2019 season against Arkansas 4A competition is hard to understand. First off, kudos to him for earning the starting spot with the Leopards. Additionally, covering 621 yards on 49 completions with four scores while rushing 167 times for 921 yards with 14 touchdowns is one heck of an accomplishment for an evolving talent.

With naysayers talking trash, the determined 6-0, 170-pound, talent went to work over the offseason coming out clean the other end. Simmons completed 68 percent of his passes in 2020 throwing for 2,550 yards with 21 touchdowns tossed. He improved upon his running abilities taking 161 totes for 953 yards with seven more trips into the end zone.

May the trash talkers keep quiet, especially after Simmons earned scholarship offers from Kansas and Middle Tennessee.

In an RNG first-look interview, Simmons stops by the Lab for a detailed look at his sophomore season and spring workouts.

Interview

Ced, life at the varsity level for you at this point is no big deal. You’ve been kicking 4A butt since your freshman season. How has all of this experience on the field translated into you evolving as a quarterback?

Getting the start as a freshman, that early experience helped me out knowing what the game is like. I can’t really explain it. My coaches have been strict on me learning defenses. We watch a lot of film on defenses and go over situational plays; it has helped a lot.

The passing aspect to your game truly came alive during your sophomore season within the team’s Spread attack. What was working for you in that part of your game allowing for the big season?

My freshman season pushed me to get better at passing. There were a lot of rumors saying I could not throw. Over the summer I worked to show that I can throw and that I am not just a running quarterback. My hard work paid off my sophomore season. I plan on being even better my junior season. I am already working with our new receivers getting ready.

What routes were your receivers running during the season?

We had a variety of routes and different plays for different coverages. There was a route for anything. We had one route and a route passed off that. We ran every route.

Because you are a dynamic runner, how were defenses trying to scheme against you in 2020?

Most teams tried to keep me in the pocket because I am most dangerous scrambling outside the pocket. Usually, they had one of their middle linebackers keying on me.

What coverages were you seeing?

A variety. A lot of man with the more athletic teams and some Cover 2.

What have you been working on with your technique and mechanics this offseason?

So far this offseason I have worked on my explosiveness and speed, and getting my shoulder stronger. I have been working on my body overall.

Is there anything with your form or technique you’ve zeroed in on this spring?

My coaches believe everyone has their own throwing motion. I have been working more on accuracy and working mainly on strength and gaining weight.

Will the Leopards be running the same style of offense in 2021?

We will be in the same Spread.

How are you expanding your knowledge of the game this spring?

Mentally, we have “football school” where we talk about the game, penalties, and how the little things come out in the end and effect the game.

Are you playing any other varsity sports for Malvern this year?

Basketball. I wanted to play other sports, but after talking to my coaches they think I should put more of my time in football.

Cedric, I appreciate your time today and wish you success this spring prepping for the 2021 season.

Thank you, sir.

Photo credit: Simmons family; Cedric Simmons