Tim Simon-Cordova

[PigskinPat 2,605]

I don't know if much has been discussed about this kid, but I sure hope we can land him. He's from my dad's home town, and he says Simon is unbelievable. He also said Simon's family are big Auburn fans, but who knows if that will play into it. He has a career average of 10.6 yards a carry. Does anyone have additional info?

Blue chip Blue Devil

Russell Moore

Sports Writer

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Cordova running back Tim Simon is being pursued by several of the top college programs. Simon rushed for 1,834 yards and scored 37 touchdowns as a junior despite playing a full four quarters just six times during the Blue Devils’ perfect 15-0 season. (Photo by Jeff Johnsey)CORDOVA -- A quiet city like Cordova doesn't attract many celebrities.

Running back Tim Simon is changing that one day at time as he enters the summer before his final season with the Blue Devils. There are high-profile camps to attend for the 6-foot-2, 210-pound Simon, a left knee to get back in top shape and an ultimate decision to make regarding his status as one of the top prospects in the state.

Simon completed his junior year last week and has scholarship offers thus far from Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Clemson, UAB, Troy and Marshall. Other premier colleges, including Michigan, have Simon set to make an official visit in the upcoming months.

Simon humbly admits the attention is overwhelming.

"I never thought it was going to get this big. I thought I might get two or three colleges interested. I wasn't expecting 10 or 12 like I've got interested now. I keep getting them as we go on," Simon said. "It's crazy, but I don't want to rush it. I'm just taking my time and I'll try to see what's the best fit for me. Wherever I feel at home at, I'm going to go."

Division I coaches aren't allowed to make face-to-face contact with college prospects until they start their junior year. When Simon hit that barrier last August, the popular faces started rolling into Cordova.

The first one Simon remembers making an appearance was Kentucky's Rich Brooks.

"It was crazy. Everyone wanted to see what was going on. I had went to a game up there, but it shocked me when they came to school and wanted to talk to me," Simon said. "I didn't know what to say or do."

He learned quickly. Alabama's Nick Saban, Auburn's Tommy Tuberville, Tennessee defensive coordinator John Chavis and Clemson assistant Dabo Sweeney followed with their respective visits as Cordova was wrapping up its perfect 15-0 season last December.

It created quite a stir for the entire Cordova community.

"It's very, very exciting. Cordova is such a close-knit community and one common interest everyone has is football," said Cordova Principal Jason Adkins. "The recruitment of Tim means something to everyone here, especially me. Four or five years ago when we started this thing I wanted what is going on now. Those visions take time. It's not something that you can sell or build overnight.

"Tim Simon shows that hard work does pay off. He's as humble as any kid you'll ever find. He can talk to me or you and it's the same as if he's talking to Nick Saban. It shows that you don't have to go to big school to be noticed. It's not impossible to succeed at a place like Cordova, Alabama."

When coaches stop by to talk to Simon, Adkins and first-year Cordova coach Pete Bush, they eventually pop in a highlight film of Simon.

It doesn't run very long.

"It's real easy. They come in and look at his highlight DVD and before they get through watching they say 'Coach I've seen enough.' If it's the head coach they offer him immediately and if it's an assistant they tell us they'll talk to the head coach in the morning and call us back," Bush said. "Nine times out of 10 they call back offering Tim and want to stay interested in our quarterback (Ryan Smith)."

SIMON'S YEARLY DEVELOPMENT

Simon developed into a star for Cordova as a freshman. He rushed for 1,335 yards and 20 touchdowns on just 110 attempts as the Blue Devils went 10-2 and advanced to the second round of the 2A playoffs.

Simon's success as a freshman was based on his game-breaking speed and raw talent.

He elevated his game as a sophomore. Instead of relying on just his speed to dodge opponents, Simon wasn't apprehensive about running through people to complement his quickness. The 3A finals MVP from last year rushed for 2,368 yards as the Blue Devils made another second-round exit from the playoffs.

Cordova's fate improved drastically last year. The Blue Devils won the 3A state championship behind Simon and a host of playmakers. Cordova trailed only four times all season, which led to Simon playing in four quarters on only six occasions. He still collected 1,864 yards on the ground and 37 touchdowns. He averaged 11.5 yards a carry and was named to the 3A All-State team and the Alabama Sports Writers Association Super 12 team.

Simon, who has 5,567 career rushing yards (10.6 yards per carry) and 82 touchdowns, has developed into the complete package with one season still remaining in high school.

"Every coach talks how they really like his vision and about the power he runs with. A lot of coaches look for backs with speed and power. Tim's got speed, power, size and good vision," Bush said. "There is not a college coach that has came in here and mentioned anything specifically he needs to improve on. He can work on just the little things, stuff like making sure the ball is in the right arm."

Bush gets asked by college coaches who he would compare Simon to. Bush has an easy assessment.

"Guy's that are fast as him aren't usually that tall," Bush said. "They ask me what I think and I have no clue what to tell them."

The recruiting Web site service Scouts, Inc. points out some strengths and weaknesses of Simon. It accesses him as: "A type of back that grows on you the more you watch his film. He is not overly fast, shifty or flashy, but is darn productive and could carry the load for a team as a college running back. Possesses great size with his height and thickly-built, well proportioned, sturdy body...Bottom line, Simon is a potential workhorse at the next level with the size and strength to pound it between the tackles and wear down a defense."

OVERCOMING FIRST MAJOR SETBACK

A minor knee injury fell upon Simon late in his freshman season, but nothing seriously hindered his ability to pull away for an extended run until the second play of Cordova's semifinals matchup with Calera last November.

Simon immediately knew he was hurt. Meanwhile, fans and bystanders were aware when Simon was caught from behind on a scamper he usually scored on.

"I hadn't got caught the whole year, at least not in the open field," said Simon, who estimates he was about 60 percent healthy during the 26-18 win.

It was the first adversity Simon faced as a varsity player.

"I was just thinking we had to get to that championship game and that my team was going to need me," Simon said. "I'm a big part of this team and I was going to have to suck it up and play."

Cordova's state championship game was eight days later, on a Saturday, against Clay County. Simon underwent heavy treatment during the final week of the season and felt he improved to about 75 percent by kickoff.

It was enough to help the Blue Devils win their second state title since the playoff format was instituted. Simon rushed for 142 yards and two scores in the title game and on defense batted away two crucial Clay County passes in the end zone which preserved a 21-13 triumph.

"Tim wasn't as mentally tough when he was a freshman and that entered the coaches' minds last season against Calera. Part of me feels like it was the same knee, but he fought through it last year," Adkins said. "He played like a Trojan in the championship game. That knee was tremendously damaged in that game. It wouldn't have been as close if Tim was healthy. He would have pulled out a couple of long runs. Tim showed then he's got guts. There's no doubt about it."

Simon had surgery on his torn meniscus last December at St. Vincent's Hospital in Birmingham. He was released two weeks ago to work out the knee in full force. He didn't participate in Cordova's spring drills and is just now running stadium stairs and preparing to be back to 100 percent within a month.

WEIGHING THE DECISION

Simon gets the question daily. Where is he going to wind up in 2009?

"It doesn't bother me. I keep telling them it's going to be a shock," Simon said. "I'm just looking for where I can feel at home at, where I get treated good and where I get along with everybody. Right now, I feel like I'm going to try to commit before the season starts."

Bush wants Simon to makes the right choice and not one that Alabama, Auburn or Tennessee fans might persuade him to make.

"He can't let fans of schools around here try to convince him where to go. He'll go on one of his trips or go to a camp and it will be one of those things where it just feels right," Bush said. "He just doesn't need to have any doubts about the decision."

Simon's aware that Auburn's offense has experienced a transition to the spread under offensive coordinator Tony Franklin and that Alabama has recently struggled to find consistency with its running game.

"I can get loose in a spread offense and go with the flow at Auburn. There's always a chance to pick up a lot of yards in the spread," Simon said. "I could get loose in Alabama's offense too. They run the ball a lot. Both schools can't just run their offense with one running back. You need two or three of them."

Adds Bush: "Tim can fit into any system and can play anywhere on the field. You just have to give him the ball and he can make something happen."

A CHANCE TO REPEAT

Cordova's opponents have one more season to contend with Simon and the Blue Devils. College prospect Ryan Smith returns as a junior at quarterback, receiver and defensive back, Jake Howton will only be a sophomore and All-State players Daniel Ingram and Jace Cordell return as well.

Simon insists the Blue Devils have worked harder this spring than they did last year, which should bode well come September when Cordova starts defense of its 3A title.

"We want to repeat what we did last year. We are going to be stronger and a lot bigger than we were. As long as we work hard, our guys will be right back where we were at," Simon said. "I couldn't accomplish anything without a good offensive line and the guys around me. There are a lot more colleges interested when you are on a championship team."

Juggling the spotlight between Cordova and Simon will only grow bigger as the year progresses, but Bush doesn't see it adversely affecting his team.

"Tim's not going to get the big head. He's not a bragging-type kid like that. I don't see him getting a big head and we're not going to get one as a team. We know we've got a lot of work to do. We didn't get there last year by having more athletes than everyone else. We got there by players working hard and coaches working hard during practice and after practice," Bush said. "We want Tim though to embrace his opportunity. There have been a lot of great athletes come out of Walker County, but there haven't been many able to go to a big-time school. It's just hard to get that chance. Tim's got it and he needs to make the most of it."

[Hoopie 6]

AU has not offered to many big running backs. We will need this guy on the plains. Eddie Gran can turn him into a pro.

[metafour 4,976]

AU has not offered to many big running backs.

Absolutely FALSE. I sent WAR-MATT a message yesterday stating that Franklin is apparently VERY high on Brandon Jacobs from Parkview HS in Georgia (Brad Lester, Caleb King attended same school). This kid is 6'0 and 230+. He's apparently much higher on our wish list than Orwin Smith who has somewhat fallen out of favor (although could rise back up in the summer).

Apart from Jacobs we are also actively recruiting guys like Trent Richardson, Kendrick Hardy, Mike Gillislie, and Eddie Lacy. None of those guys are small backs, period.

PS: Tim Simon is more in the mold of an ATH than a pure RB right now.

[The Prowler 1]

I think AU will take 3 RBs this year.....Rodney Scott, Brandon Jacobs (smaller version, but just as Bad A**), and Tim Simon, Brandon Wegher, Eddie Lacy, or Mike Gillieslie.....That's just what I hope.

[WAR-MATT 2]

AU has not offered to many big running backs.

Absolutely FALSE. I sent WAR-MATT a message yesterday stating that Franklin is apparently VERY high on Brandon Jacobs from Parkview HS in Georgia (Brad Lester, Caleb King attended same school). This kid is 6'0 and 230+. He's apparently much higher on our wish list than Orwin Smith who has somewhat fallen out of favor (although could rise back up in the summer).

Apart from Jacobs we are also actively recruiting guys like Trent Richardson, Kendrick Hardy, Mike Gillislie, and Eddie Lacy. None of those guys are small backs, period.

PS: Tim Simon is more in the mold of an ATH than a pure RB right now.

word....

[Hoopie 6]

AU has not offered to many big running backs.

Absolutely FALSE. I sent WAR-MATT a message yesterday stating that Franklin is apparently VERY high on Brandon Jacobs from Parkview HS in Georgia (Brad Lester, Caleb King attended same school). This kid is 6'0 and 230+. He's apparently much higher on our wish list than Orwin Smith who has somewhat fallen out of favor (although could rise back up in the summer).

Apart from Jacobs we are also actively recruiting guys like Trent Richardson, Kendrick Hardy, Mike Gillislie, and Eddie Lacy. None of those guys are small backs, period.

PS: Tim Simon is more in the mold of an ATH than a pure RB right now.

Listed below is the Scout.com FREE info. This page doesn't list the folks and info that you are supporting. Did your data come from pay sites?

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Football Recruiting

Running Back Class: 2011201020092008200720062005200420032002 Position: All QB RB FB WR TE OT OG C DT DE MLB SLB WLB S CB K P Top

Page 1 >>

Nat'l

Rank Nat'l

Rating Name

School, Hometown Video HT/ WT/ 40 Interest

Level Offer? Schools of Interest

2 Cierre Wood

(Santa Clara HS)

Oxnard, CA 6-0/200/4.50 None Yes Committed to Notre Dame

6 Michael Ford

(Leesville HS)

Leesville, LA 5-10/210/4.56 None No Committed to LSU

10 Washaun Ealey

(Emanuel County Institute)

Twin City, GA 6-0/195/4.45 None No Committed to Georgia

16 Brandon Wegher

(Bishop Heelan Catholic HS)

Sioux City, IA 5-11/187/4.43 Med Yes Auburn, Illinois, Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas, Penn State, Texas Tech

17 Trent Richardson

(Escambia HS)

Pensacola, FL 5-11/210/4.50 Med Yes Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Mississippi State

26 Stepfan Taylor

(Mansfield HS)

Mansfield, TX 6-0/205 Med No Auburn, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Stanford, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech

28 Damien Thigpen

(Stonewall Jackson HS)

Manassas, VA 5-9/170/4.34 None Yes Committed to Tennessee

35 Ridge Turner

(South Plaquemines HS)

Port Sulphur, LA 5-9/175/4.50 Med No Auburn, Clemson, Colorado, LSU, Southern Miss, Tulsa, West Virginia

36 Montee Ball

(Timberland HS)

Wentzville, MO 5-11/204/4.44 Med No Auburn, Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas, Missouri, Northwestern, Oklahoma

47 Kendrick Hardy

(Lawrence County HS)

Monticello, MS 6-0/205 Med Yes Auburn, Florida, LSU, Mississippi, Mississippi State, Southern Miss

65 Rolandan Finch

(St. Xavier HS)

Louisville, KY 5-10/200/4.50 Med No Auburn, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisville, North Carolina State, Notre Dame, Stanford

66 Demond Dennis

(Carver HS)

Atlanta, GA 5-11/185/4.50 Med Yes Alabama, Auburn, East Carolina, Florida, Georgia Tech, Tennessee, UCF

69 Rodney Scott

(Dixie County HS)

Cross City, FL 5-9/189/4.45 Verbal Yes Committed to Auburn

NR Ricky Floyd

(Gulfport HS)

Gulfport, MS 5-11/200/4.50 High No Auburn, Southern Miss, Mississippi, Mississippi State, Princeton

NR Reginald O'Briant

(East Webster HS)

Maben, MS 5-8/170 Med No Alabama, Auburn, Mississippi, Mississippi State, Southern Miss, Virginia

NR Thomas Marbury

(Hoover HS)

Hoover, AL 5-8/160 Med No Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Duke, Florida, Miami (Fl)

NR Mike Gillislee

(Deland HS)

Deland, FL 6-0/190/4.50 Med Yes Auburn, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Miami (Fl), Michigan, Mississippi, Purdue

NR Christopher Evans

(Parker HS)

Birmingham, AL 5-10/180/4.50 Med No Alabama, Auburn, Troy, UAB

[Hoopie 6]

AU has not offered to many big running backs.

Absolutely FALSE. I sent WAR-MATT a message yesterday stating that Franklin is apparently VERY high on Brandon Jacobs from Parkview HS in Georgia (Brad Lester, Caleb King attended same school). This kid is 6'0 and 230+. He's apparently much higher on our wish list than Orwin Smith who has somewhat fallen out of favor (although could rise back up in the summer).

Apart from Jacobs we are also actively recruiting guys like Trent Richardson, Kendrick Hardy, Mike Gillislie, and Eddie Lacy. None of those guys are small backs, period.

PS: Tim Simon is more in the mold of an ATH than a pure RB right now.

Listed below is the Scout.com FREE info. This page doesn't list the folks and info that you are supporting. Did your data come from pay sites? BTW Ronnie Brown was a 6'-1" 200# recruit and Jerious Norwood was a 6'-1" 197# recruit.

Welcome to Scout.com

Sign In, Register for Free, Contact Us

Scout.com Web

Football Recruiting

Running Back Class: 2011201020092008200720062005200420032002 Position: All QB RB FB WR TE OT OG C DT DE MLB SLB WLB S CB K P Top

Page 1 >>

Nat'l

Rank Nat'l

Rating Name

School, Hometown Video HT/ WT/ 40 Interest

Level Offer? Schools of Interest

2 Cierre Wood

(Santa Clara HS)

Oxnard, CA 6-0/200/4.50 None Yes Committed to Notre Dame

6 Michael Ford

(Leesville HS)

Leesville, LA 5-10/210/4.56 None No Committed to LSU

10 Washaun Ealey

(Emanuel County Institute)

Twin City, GA 6-0/195/4.45 None No Committed to Georgia

16 Brandon Wegher

(Bishop Heelan Catholic HS)

Sioux City, IA 5-11/187/4.43 Med Yes Auburn, Illinois, Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas, Penn State, Texas Tech

17 Trent Richardson

(Escambia HS)

Pensacola, FL 5-11/210/4.50 Med Yes Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Mississippi State

26 Stepfan Taylor

(Mansfield HS)

Mansfield, TX 6-0/205 Med No Auburn, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Stanford, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech

28 Damien Thigpen

(Stonewall Jackson HS)

Manassas, VA 5-9/170/4.34 None Yes Committed to Tennessee

35 Ridge Turner

(South Plaquemines HS)

Port Sulphur, LA 5-9/175/4.50 Med No Auburn, Clemson, Colorado, LSU, Southern Miss, Tulsa, West Virginia

36 Montee Ball

(Timberland HS)

Wentzville, MO 5-11/204/4.44 Med No Auburn, Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas, Missouri, Northwestern, Oklahoma

47 Kendrick Hardy

(Lawrence County HS)

Monticello, MS 6-0/205 Med Yes Auburn, Florida, LSU, Mississippi, Mississippi State, Southern Miss

65 Rolandan Finch

(St. Xavier HS)

Louisville, KY 5-10/200/4.50 Med No Auburn, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisville, North Carolina State, Notre Dame, Stanford

66 Demond Dennis

(Carver HS)

Atlanta, GA 5-11/185/4.50 Med Yes Alabama, Auburn, East Carolina, Florida, Georgia Tech, Tennessee, UCF

69 Rodney Scott

(Dixie County HS)

Cross City, FL 5-9/189/4.45 Verbal Yes Committed to Auburn

NR Ricky Floyd

(Gulfport HS)

Gulfport, MS 5-11/200/4.50 High No Auburn, Southern Miss, Mississippi, Mississippi State, Princeton

NR Reginald O'Briant

(East Webster HS)

Maben, MS 5-8/170 Med No Alabama, Auburn, Mississippi, Mississippi State, Southern Miss, Virginia

NR Thomas Marbury

(Hoover HS)

Hoover, AL 5-8/160 Med No Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Duke, Florida, Miami (Fl)

NR Mike Gillislee

(Deland HS)

Deland, FL 6-0/190/4.50 Med Yes Auburn, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Miami (Fl), Michigan, Mississippi, Purdue

NR Christopher Evans

(Parker HS)

Birmingham, AL 5-10/180/4.50 Med No Alabama, Auburn, Troy, UAB

[metafour 4,976]

Huh?

http://auburn.scout.com/a.z?s=6&p=8&am...amp;nid=3579137