Mavric Posted June 13, 2016 Share Posted June 13, 2016 His mom died when he was just 5, and it was thoughts about her that contributed to his emotion on national signing day. Simmons is someone, his former high school coach Josh Shaffer will tell you, whose inner drive helped him overcome obstacles that have dragged down many of his peers. “He wears No. 31 because that was the date his mother passed away when he was a kid, so that's struggle No. 1," Shaffer said. "And then, struggle No. 2, growing up in Fort Pierce, here's a city that is in the top 100 for overall crime rate in the country. So it's not exactly the best place to grow up and become your best self. He overcame a lot of that and really transformed into a great human being overall more than just a great football player." The new Husker gives much of the credit to the man with the same name. Greg Simmons Sr. was always there to keep his son's head on straight during the hardest of times. Just like he was there for that signing day ceremony to deliver a special message. "Greg, I want to tell you I love you," his father said. "If your mama lived today, she'd be proud of you, too." LJS 1 Quote Link to comment
NUance Posted June 13, 2016 Share Posted June 13, 2016 "Greg, I want to tell you I love you," his father said. "If your mama lived today, she'd be proud of you, too." Then again, he also had a godfather, Wonderful Monds, who was a standout defensive back for the Huskers in the mid-'70s. Simmons followed up his commitment to the Huskers by piling up 139 tackles his senior year, including 26 for losses, 10 of which were sacks. He caused five fumbles and intercepted a pass. He was also a team leader. He's the first player Shaffer ever allowed as a team captain as a junior. Great article! There's a lot to like about this guy. It'll be fun to watch his develop over the next few years. That, plus we have Wonder Monds to thank, at least partially, for him signing with Nebraska. Wonderful! : Quote Link to comment
huKSer Posted June 13, 2016 Share Posted June 13, 2016 I remember Wonder Monds. Great player. He was the original afro before @AFRO_THUNDER80 Beyond that. everyone loved being in a class with him. Lets just say he set the grading curve, if you catch my drift. EDIT for pict Quote Link to comment
Savage Husker Posted June 13, 2016 Share Posted June 13, 2016 Dang. That's some good stuff. Can't wait to have that type of kid on campus. Quote Link to comment
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