Arizona State defensive back declares for the 2025 NFL Draft

Posted by Admin January 4, 2025 NFL

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While Arizona State saw its secondary reinforced with the return of safety Xavion Alford, it also saw the departure of a key member as defensive back Shamari Simmons announced his intention to declare for the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft in April.

There was a chance potentially that Simmons, a graduate student, could return next season with the recent new waiver from the NCAA Division I Board of Directors that granted an additional year of eligibility to former junior college transfers. Simmons attended and played at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas from 2019-21.

But Simmons has decided it’s time to take the next step in his journey.

During his tenure with Arizona State, Simmons morphed into one of the best players for the Sun Devils. In a dismal 2023 season, the first under coach Kenny Dillingham, Simmons was one of the few bright spots. He finished as the team MVP that year, racking up 73 tackles, six pass breakups, one interception and one sack.

This season was even better as Simmons proved to be one of the top defenders not just for ASU, but in the country.

Entering the College Football Playoff quarterfinal game against Texas in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Simmons was one of only 10 players in the country not credited with a TD allowed — despite playing the third-most slot coverage snaps in the country (357) among FBS slot defenders. Opponents have just a 76.7 NFL QBR (quarterback rating) when targeting Simmons, the 15th-lowest among FBS slot defenders.

Simmons played a key role in his final game in an ASU uniform. After missing the first half versus Texas due to a targeting call in the Big 12 title game, Simmons came in and made an immediate impact when he forced a safety early in the second half.

To make his announcement, Simmons shared a message to Sun Devils fans on X, formerly Twitter, thanking them for the support, as well as a photo that showed an interaction between himself and an unnamed coach during his recruitment.

“What’s up big dawg,” wrote the coach.

Simmons answered, “Wessup coach.”

Which then prompted this response: “Man you can’t be a Hood Hero up there it’s going to turn college coaches away.”

Simmons’ name on X? Hood Hero.

It’s been quite the road for Simmons, from being a 0-star prospect to enrolling into junior college, and now declaring for the NFL draft.

Logan Stanley is a sports reporter with The Arizona Republic who primarily focuses on high school, ASU and Olympic sports. To suggest ideas for human-interest stories and other news, reach out to Stanley at logan.stanley@gannett.com or 707-293-7650. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @LSscribe.