Shane Simmons is Maryland’s Next Rising Star
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- Written on Monday, 14 January 2013
Simmons was in a league of his own this season and his accomplishments have been off the charts. At only 15-years-old this athletic freak was selected to train with Xtreme Procision founder, and former Washington Redskins star, LaVar Arrington. “Coach Arrington works with me on my technique, my hands, speed, lifting and everything really,” said Simmons. “He is my favorite player and also my mentor. LaVar really helps me get prepared for battle.”
All the hard work and training with Arrington has really paid off for Simmons who was named the Dennis D. Cavin Award winner this year as the National Youth Football Player of the Year. Simmons is one of the most humble players you will ever meet and really takes the award to heart. “It was the first time that they gave out this award, so it really means a lot to me to be the first person to receive it.”
The list of achievements goes on for Simmons who was named the starting defense end and team captain of the Eastbay Youth All-American Bowl, FBU Top Gun Defensive M.V.P., the National Young Gun presented by Champs Sports while leading his DeMatha Catholic team in tackles and sacks. Not a bad year for the big lineman who is only going to get faster and stronger as time goes on.
The Maryland native is one of the most intimidating players you will ever lay eyes on and gives a lot of credit to his cousin who introduced the game of football to him at five-years-old. “When I was about five I really started to like football and play with my cousin CJ,” said Simmons. “I used to always watch CJ play and I wanted to be on the same team as him even though he was older.”
With a teacher who has been there before in Arrington, he has a lot of knowledge to pass down to Simmons whose sky is the limit. “He really tells me it’s all about explosive movement, quickness and using your hands,” said Simmons.
The contents of that statement exemplifies a quality that really stands out about this award winning defensive end; he is always giving the credit to someone else and he loved and respects the intricacies of the game of football. He has the mentality of a seasoned veteran and has some great advice to offer other young football players trying to break into the sport. “Some advice that I would like to share with young football players is to always have respect,” said Simmons. “Always respect your parents, your teammates, your coaches and the great game that we are privileged to play.”
When watching Simmons on the field you will be amazed at the pass rush moves that he possesses and how he simply overpowers his opponents. This beast reminds you a lot of J.J. Watt the way he flies into opposing backfields and at the rate he’s going he might be just as dominant at the next level. The sack master gives a lot of credit to his old Gorc Wildcats coach, Rick Peacock, who gave him some of the best advice that he still holds true to this day. “Coach Peacock really gave me a lot of knowledge when I was younger and I will never forget what he taught me,” said Simmons. “Stay true and humble to yourself and always stay ambitious.”
Just as Arrington enjoys relaxing off the field by playing golf and hanging with friends, Shane likes to lay low at the end of the night and just be around his loved ones. “Off the field there is nothing more important to me than just being around family and friends,” said Simmons. “One of my other favorite things to do in my spare time is play video games. I am a beast at Xbox 360!”
Simmons has already begun dominating in his freshman year at DeMatha and the college recruits have started to pour in. Big Shane has already received offers from universities such as Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina in his first year and there’s no telling how many more will add on in the next few years. Although college is for years away it is never too early to start thinking about what lies ahead as the future looks very bright for this young star.
By Chris Costa
Youth1.com
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