Michigan offensive line coach Ed Warinner extended a scholarship to 2021 four-star offensive lineman Josh Simmons on March 31, as reported on Simmons’ Twitter account.
Just a little after midnight on April 1, he de-committed from the University of Oregon. Unfortunately for the Ducks, this was no April Fools’ joke.
I want to thank OU and especially coach Cristobal for everything they have done for me. I'm definitely still considering the Ducks moving forward but at this point in my recruitment, I want to open things back up to make sure I'm doing the right thing and exploring all my options
— Josh (@josh5immons) April 1, 2020
The 6-foot-5, 323-pounder from La Mesa, California had been committed to Oregon since January. Just in the last week alone, his offer sheet grew to include schools like Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State, Illinois, Oregon State and Miami (FL).
Since the Wolverines were one of the most recent offers for Simmons, how big of a factor will they be moving forward in the recruitment?
“Very big,” Simmons told Maize n Brew. “Would love to get down there.”
Of course, he won’t be able to visit until the May, at the very earliest. But when/if he does, it would be his first time in Ann Arbor.
Simmons admits his relationship with Warinner is “a little slim right now,” but he is hoping to build that relationship moving forward. So if he hasn’t visited Michigan before and doesn’t have a solid relationship yet with the position coach, what is so appealing about U-M?
“Location with family in Detroit and all that. Seems very convenient,” he said. “Not to mention the outstanding program.
“My dad’s side (resides in Detroit). But yes, a lot of family in Detroit.”
Simmons said besides Oregon and Michigan, there are “absolutely” no other top schools for him at the moment.
“I just want to get out and see what there is,” Simmons said. “Which I’ll be doing a lot of when the (virus) dials down.”
At the end of the day, Simmons is looking for “somewhere I can evolve besides football, and build a great brotherhood.” Can that place be Michigan? Only time will tell, but I don’t anticipate this recruitment ending soon in the slightest.
Simmons is the No. 16 offensive guard and No. 274 overall player on 247Sports’ composite rankings. He doesn’t have too many up-to-date highlight videos, but you can check them out by clicking here.