RECRUITING: Sooners lead for NC DT?

Raleigh, N.C. defensive tackle Brian Simmons update.

BRIAN SIMMONS, DT, 6’5, 305, 4.9, RALEIGH (SOUTHEAST HS), NORTH CAROLINA:

You can never find too many defensive tackle prospects in today's world of college football. And when they come along and play as well as Brian Simmons does, then the entire college football world will take notice.

Simmons, who started for the last two years at Southeast at defensive tackle and defensive end, will transfer to Hargrave Military Academy this year where he will play defensive tackle.

“I am going to Hargrave to play some football and to build up my grades,” said Simmons. “I didn’t always do what I needed to do academically in high school until my senior year, and by that time it was too late to have a great GPA. I am actually eligible to play Division 1 football right now, but I want to build up my GPA. I think if I can buckle down at Hargrave Military Academy I can do that.”

Last year Simmons finished with 80 tackles, nine sacks, 30-tackles for loss and two caused fumbles. Simmons can bench 420 pounds, squats 550 and his best vertical jump is 28-inches.

Simmons started his sophomore and junior year in hoops before a broken hand forced him to miss his senior year. Grades hurt Simmons recruiting some out of high school, but college coaches are calling in bunches this summer.

“This summer I have heard from Auburn, Virginia, Virginia Tech, North Carolina and North Carolina State. I have a great interest in Oklahoma and they offered me."

So just how interested is in in the Sooners?

"Oklahoma is my No. 1 school right now. I have talked to Coach (Jackie) Shipp and he is a great guy to talk to. He talks to me about more than just football and he told me to keep Oklahoma in mind after the season. I just laughed because you can’t forget about Oklahoma. Oklahoma is my leader, and then I have several school locked up behind them. I am going to keep an open mind, but it is going to be hard to beat Oklahoma.”

Hargrave starts two weeks of three-a-day practices on Thursday. Simmons is qualified.