Staying safe and working hard is the current mindset of Elgin linebacker and North Texas commit LB Willie Simmons (6'2, 215) as he, his family, and teammates are facing pandemic uncertainty during this time. 

Like most great leaders, the star-studded linebacker is making the most of the opportunity and getting better with each passing day.
 
“Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, I train with Bernard Blake. I’m always moving around and getting in work,” Simmons said. “If I not out training, I’m in my living room with the weights getting work done. I need to be better than I was last year.”
 
One advantage the 6-2, 215-pound Simmons has with his training is that many of his teammates are also working with the same trainer. During these unprecedented times, coaches have not been able to get a lot of face time with their teams. And while that can be considered unfortunate, it’s also an opportunity to allow leaders like Simmons to play a more significant role in the development of younger players.
 
While the Elgin coaches send over workouts that the players are expected to commit to, Simmons uses this time to motivate and lead his guys. With Simmons working with a handful of teammates three times a week, he can aid in the improvements needed to turn the tides on their previous season.
 
The Elgin team went 3-7 last year, and Simmons admits he wants this season to one where they reach the postseason.
 
“At this time, it’s easy to just go home and sit and play video games. So I feel like some of the younger players need motivation when we are not forced to work out from the coaches,” Simmons said. “In my personal opinion, we are going to be a playoff team. Most people don’t think so, but I see this team and the work we are putting in. We will be a pretty hard team to stop once we put it all together.”
 
Last season, Simmons finished with 85 tackles, ten sacks, an interception and two blocks on special teams. He looks to build on that and lead his team to more wins in 2020. He said the team would start practice on September 7, and is confident that his team will be more than ready when they suit for the first game in late September.
 
Aside from the working through a new schedule, the 3-star linebacker will not have to worry about his future as it pertains to playing college football. Simmons made his verbal commitment to North Texas in mid-April. He also had offers from New Mexico, Air Force Academy and Missouri State.
 
And though his decision came before he was able to make it down to Denton to get a closer look, Simmons is more than comfortable calling it home. With the distance to the school being only a couple of hours away, he will get an in-person look when it’s open, safe, and available. From the looks he’s already gotten through the virtual tours and the solid relationships with the coaching staff, he likes what he is getting into.
 
“I feel like UNT has everything a player needs. Coach Seth Littrell has been great, and he’s coached a lot of top-tier NFL guys,” Simmons said. “This school has everything I need to be better. I have a good relationship with the coaches, and we talk as much as we can. I even talked to one of them while I was working out today. They keep checking on me and making sure I am safe.”
 
Safety is a keyword that has been used a lot during the pandemic. Simmons said the reason he has not been able to visit campus was, “COVID shut that down.” But still, that has not dampened his spirits about everything going on with his future team.
 
He gave his final thoughts on the last few months and the toll it’s taken on him and his family.
 
“Honestly, I feel like I am better than I thought. Me and my dad are doing what we can to be safe,” Simmons said. “It’s tough not to be putting the pads on (right now). But I know it will happen one day. I just pray that everything gets better."