Although Rutgers is now the favorite team of linebacker signee Syhiem Simmons, that wasn’t always the case as he grew up a fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
A Jersey City native, who spent the first three years of his high school career at Hudson Catholic before transferring to George Washington Carver in Birmingham, Simmons migrated to Alabama to live with his father while his mother remained in New Jersey.
And he says it had a lot to do with competition.
“At my old school, it wasn’t like really that much competition. So I came down here to challenge myself and see where I was at,” Simmons told NJ.com. “I figured I have dreams to play at a high level in college, so I might as well prepare myself for it now.”
And prepare himself he did.
“We played in one of the hardest regions in Alabama, so it went pretty good,” he said. “It was a different. Different speed, linemen size, different attitude of certain kids playing. The experience got me way better — more skill, more talent, more technique.”
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In addition to testing himself, Simmons also hoped to earn the attention of the Crimson Tide coaching staff by being closer to the program.
“(Ala)Bama was my dream school,” Simmons admitted.
And although it wasn’t meant to be, Simmons did catch the attention of the staff, which pitched ways to add him to their roster.
“They were trying to grey shirt me,” said Simmons. “They also told me about a preferred walk-on (opportunity), but I work too hard. And I’ve got full scholarships so why take a walk-on. So that’s just their lost.”
Nothing but a full scholarship offer could have landed Simmons in Tuscaloosa, he says.
“(Ultimately), they offered me a two-year scholarship. But in my head, I’m like my mama can’t pay for this, so I’ve got to go where I’m from and play for my city.”
However, Simmons did get to fulfill one dream associated with the school.
“I finally went to see an Alabama game, which I always wanted to do,” he said. “That was probably the closest I’m ever gonna get to Alabama. But I’m fine with it. I loved the stadium. But I’m not an Alabama fan no more. I’m a Rutgers fan. I had to pack up all my Alabama stuff.”
Simmons found great contrast in the pace of life in Birmingham in comparison to New Jersey.
“Down here, it’s real slow. It’s more focused. Just school, football and repeat the same day,” he said. “And in the city, everything is moving fast. There was a lot of violence and stuff like that. But it’s violence everywhere. But it’s not like the city. Down here it’s real hot, slow, muggy weather.”
Hence, Simmons found great solace when he returned to New Jersey in January for his official visit.
“It’s all about the people,” he said. “I hadn’t been to Jersey since Thanksgiving. It’s just so beautiful. The air is different. Lots of food, new uniforms, new practice fields, all types of good stuff.
“We were all having fun. It felt good to be in New Brunswick like 45 minutes away from home. It was great.”
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Throughout the visit, Simmons also got to watch the Rutgers men’s basketball team face Wisconsin at Madison Square Garden.
“It was nice. (It was) my first time ever going there,” he said. “It was exciting, lots of food, popcorn. It was my first time ever sitting on the floor at a basketball game, actually.”
Despite making bonds in Birmingham, Simmons feels he was fated to return to the Garden State.
“I’m from Jersey City and I want my family to come out and watch me play and just put on for my city,” he said.
And moves in at Rutgers in on June 1, it could be the last time he ever sets foot in Alabama.
“Jersey City is my home base, period,” he said. “And my dad is probably moving to North Carolina or Florida. So unless I try to catch one of these high school games down here, show my appreciation, I can’t say when I’ll ever be back.”
Note: Check back with NJ.com Saturday as we will have an in-depth feature on Simmons.
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Todderick Hunt may be reached at thunt@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TodderickHunt. Find NJ.com Rutgers Football on Facebook.
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