Interview: College Programs are Loving 3-Star 2021 Dual-Threat Walter Simmons
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The 2019 high school football season proved to be a big one for Walter Simmons. Oakleaf High School’s three-star standout further developed his game in the team’s Spread/RPO attack passing for over 2,000 yards with 18 touchdowns while rushing for 600 with 14 scores on the ground. The difference in the 6-2, 195-pound, quarterback’s play showed in his delivery on the deep ball, executing the offense to get everyone involved, and the develop of his game as a runner. College programs are responding to Simmons play against Florida 8A competition with 15 offers extended.
In an RNG first-look, the rising Class of 2021 talent sat down for an in-depth interview covering his recruiting and play on the field.
Interview
Walter, Oakleaf had no troubles putting it on people last season behind a high-powered offense. What was working for you guys allowing you to be so successful on the field?
“Being able to throw the ball downfield to my good athletes and having the running backs catching the ball out of the backfield. Also, us running downhill, me and my running backs.”
What offensive scheme were you guys running in 2019?
“We were running a Spread RPO (run-pass option).”
How does the Spread/RPO fit your talents as a quarterback?
“It fits perfectly. I can run the RPO perfectly. I can read it and throw it, hand it off, or tuck it and run it. We had drop back stuff with full field reads and check downs and we were handing the ball off. We had some receiver screens to get the ball to the play-makers so they can make some magic.”
When defenses were lining up to stop you guys? What were some of the coverages you were seeing?
“When we played the north side of town, teams were running man coverage. Teams out of Jacksonville and Clay County, they ran more of a palm look.”
Which routes were you hitting last year?
“We hit a lot of underneath and crossing routes, go-routes, big posts, and a lot of outs.”
In which ways did you see your talents improve last season?
“I was able to hit more deep balls, and I did more running than I had ever done.”
What have you been working on this offseason?
“This offseason I am working on giving my receivers time to run under my deep ball and I am getting faster.”
Going into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Georgia, they’ve popped into the picture with their new offense.”
How many offers are you holding?
“Fifteen.”
Simmons’ Offer Sheet: Alabama A&M, Alabama-Birmingham, Bethune Cookman, Central Florida, Coastal Carolina, Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Illinois, LSU, South Florida, Southern Miss, Valdosta State, Virginia, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia
Over the last few months, have you taken any unofficial visits?
“Yes. I went to UVA (Virginia) for a Junior Day and I was planning on going to UCF, but the virus came. Before I visited UVA, I went to South Florida.”
If you will, tell me how the UVA trip went?
“It was a good visit. My family and I enjoyed everything.”
And the USF visit?
“That was also a good visit with the new staff.”
As mentioned, you were planning on visiting UCF before the campus ban, are there any other visits you may take in the coming months?
“We are definitely going back to UCF so my dad can meet the new QB coach. I am also thinking about going back to LSU.”
Walter, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your spring workouts.
“Thank you, sir.”
Photo credit: Simmons family; Walter Simmons at UVA and USF