Ocean Lakes LB Picks Cavaliers

Ocean Lakes (Virginia Beach, VA) middle linebacker Jahvoni Simmons will take his talents to Charlottesville. The 6’2″, 225-pound rising senior announced his commitment to the University of Virginia on Tuesday evening during a press conference at his school.

Virginia won out over Alabama, Miami, NC State, and Wisconsin, among others. Simmons is rated a 4-star prospect by Rivals.com, giving the Cavaliers their second 4-star prospect in this class (Ohio linebacker C.J. Stalker is the other).

Simmons, who stands about 6’1″ and weighs 225 pounds, has been a very productive player for the Dolphins. He is only 20 tackles away from being the school’s all-time leading tackler. In addition to consistency, Simmons has also shown the ability to rise to the occasion.

“He has always played his best games in the biggest games,” Ocean Lakes head coach Chris Scott said. “In the state championship game a few years ago, he made an interception that almost helped us win. Against Oscar Smith (in 2012), he got a pick and helped us get off the field three times on third down (in a win). Against Salem, our last game of the regular season last year, he led us in tackles and had an interception. He plays big-time ball in big-time games. He has tremendous smarts and intelligence. As a person and a student, he is the total package. He can sign now. He has the classes, the test scores, the grades. He has direction and focus. He knows what he wants. He’s also a good community service guy.”

Simmons’ pledge gives the Hoos 17 commitments in the class of 2015. Stay tuned for more on his decision soon.