Michigan State Football signs 3-star DL Derrick Simmons

The Michigan State University football team signed another player on Thursday: three-star defensive lineman Derrick Simmons.

Michigan State University football coach Jonathan Smith and his staff continue to be busy recruiting players after a number of new additions for the class of 2025.

Over the last week we have received commitments from offensive tackle Justin Bell, defensive lineman Cal Thrush, cornerback Aydan West and now defensive lineman Derrick Simmons.

I am proud to announce that I have chosen Michigan State to continue my studies and athletic achievements. Thank you to all the coaches, family and friends who supported me throughout this process. Go Green!!! 🟢⚪️ pic.twitter.com/3Z0yXdVSso

— Derrick Simmons ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@DerrickSimm2025) 27 June 2024

What is notable is the recruiting momentum the program has gained since its official visits in June, especially the roots it has put down in schools across the state.

Simmons joins Thrush as the second defensive player to commit to this class. The Frankenmuth, Michigan-based staff has made good on its promise to invest heavily in in-state recruiting – this is the sixth commitment of a Michigan player, more than any other class under previous head coach Mel Tucker.

A four-year starter on the first team at Frankenmuth High School, Simmons has the skills to play on both sides of the line. He is believed to have been recruited as a defensive player, but I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of Simmons taking some snaps on the interior of the offensive line.

Simmons is 6’3″ and 270 pounds, so to play in the Big Ten he’ll need to gain weight. It will be interesting to see how his body handles the extra weight. Other schools in the conference have been after Simmons, including Illinois, Purdue and Northwestern.

MSU now has 14 commitments for the 2025 class. With the Simmons commitment, the Spartans are ranked 45th in the nation. Although Smith has yet to land its first four-star high school player during his time in East Lansing, I think the team has done a great job with the cards it has been dealt. The first coveted blue-chip recruit the team lands will come either on official visits during the season or in the 2026 class.

Just participating in a bowl game this fall would be great in that regard.