Shiloh Generals get new QB1 in 2025 talent Ricky Simmons
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There is a new QB1 at Snellville’s (Ga.) Shiloh High School, and that is Ricky Simmons III. Simmons spent his sophomore season under center with Grayson High School, but a last-minute transfer has the Class of 2025 field general as the new leader for the Generals’ offense.
When Jeremiah Harden graduated from Shiloh, an opportunity was made available. Simmons (5-10, 180) transferred schools on Friday suiting up for practice with his new team on Monday. The Generals begin their 2023 schedule on Friday welcoming Mountain View… the rush to learn the playbook and gel with new teammates is underway.
“I have been working on the plays and getting used to the team,” Simmons said. “There are a lot of different things Shiloh does that Grayson doesn’t, nothing too crazy, but one thing is they don’t clap; I was messing that up.”
As soon as Simmons got on campus, extra work has been put in getting on script with his new squad.
“When I got there, I got together with the receivers,” Simmons stated. “They were walking me through the plays and formations. Once I get the plays down, everything else will come easily.”
Preparing for this moment, Simmons has dedicated months of his life to fine-tuning his craft.
“I am always working on my defensive coverages,” Simmons shared. “That is a big part of the game; if you don’t know defenses, you cannot play quarterback. I have also been working on my footwork and my release.”
Through offseason workouts with Grayson, individual training, and college camps, improvements have been made.
“My decision making and my footwork have improved,” Simmons said. “My decision making has always been good, but now I know what I am looking at before calling the play. My footwork hasn’t always been the best, but since working on it heavily, I look more fluid as a quarterback.”
The offense executed by the Generals was outlined.
“I’m still running a Spread,” Simmons stated. “Shiloh mainly throws. When I got there, I went to their scrimmage last week, they didn’t have a quarterback; that is what I am here for now. We will do a lot of quick game like hitches, slants, deep shallows, 9-ball, and crossing routes; simple Spread concepts.”
The opportunity to lead the Generals’ offense is one Simmons is taking seriously, an opportunity that comes with big goals.
“My goals this year, I want to get to 3,000 yards passing,” Simmons shared. “My new coaches told me I can achieve that. I also want at least 300 to 400 rushing yards. I don’t run a lot unless I have to, I am more of a passer.”
Over the summer months, Simmons spun it at camps held by Middle Tennessee State, Western Carolina, Auburn, Troy, Mercer, and a team 7-on-7 tournament at Georgia Tech. With fresh tape coming, a couple of teams are already interested in seeing Simmons’ growth as a QB.
“Middle Tennessee and Auburn are really interested now,” Simmons said. “I told them I have transferred and will start. I get to show them my film now.”
*Click the link for the June 19 RNG interview with Ricky Simmons III.