Dual-Threat QB Walter Simmons III Reflects On First Visit To Virginia

By: Chris Horne |

Oakleaf (Orange Park, FL) dual-threat quarterback prospect Walter Simmons III attended the University of Virginia’s Junior Day on March 7. It was the 6’2”, 180-pound junior’s first-ever experience on Grounds.

Simmons III says he has a “great” relationship with UVA quarterbacks coach Jason Beck. Despite Beck not in attendance (illness), the Sunshine State standout praised the event, which included a position meeting, lunch, height and weight measurements as well as photo opportunities, and a chance to watch the UVA basketball team in action against Louisville.

“I had a feeling I was going to have a good time going into the visit and they didn’t disappoint,” Simmons III said. “I had a great time and experience.”

Simmons III claims offers from Alabama-Birmingham, Central Florida, Georgia Tech, Illinois, LSU, South Florida, Virginia, Virginia Tech and West Virginia, among others. Prior college visits include UCF, Georgia Tech, Penn State, South Florida and Virginia Tech. He had hoped to make more visits throughout this spring; however, those plans are on hold due to coronavirus concerns.

Simmons III didn’t name a favorite or favorites following his Virginia visit. He did say, though, that a top five may come out “soon.”

Virginia offered Simmons III this past December, weeks after the Oakleaf star completed a solid junior season in which he passed for 1,895 yards, rushed for 611 yards, and totaled 32 touchdowns (19 pass, 13 rush). Simmons III, who completed around 60% of his passes according to the Florida Times-Union, exhibits the dual-threat capability UVA head coach Bronco Mendenhall desires. Seeing how Bryce Perkins performed in Robert Anae’s offense the past two seasons “showed that I’m a great fit in the offense,” Simmons III said.

Simmons III didn’t tip his hand in terms of favorites, but he did answer if he planned to return to Virginia at some point and discussed what is most important to him in making his college decision.

“Virginia is definitely in my sights after the visit and I will definitely be back,” Simmons III said.

“I’m looking for somewhere I can play where I can get my education and somewhere that my family can get to and likes,” Simmons III said.

EDGE Outlook

Virginia already has one quarterback commitment in the class of 2021 in Jay Woolfolk of Benedictine (Richmond, VA). However, the projected quarterback depth chart for the 2021 season was dealt another blow when Mendenhall revealed that class of 2019 recruit RJ Harvey was transferring. Likely starter Brennan Armstrong will be a redshirt junior in 2021. At this point, the rest of the depth chart looks like this:

– Lindell Stone, should he return for a redshirt senior season. Stone has played in just three games in his Cavalier career.

– Ira Armstead, a class of 2020 recruit who enrolled this past January

– Jay Woolfolk, a class of 2021 commit

(I’m not including Luke Wentz on this list because I believe he will likely switch positions. Wentz and Harvey were UVA’s two QB recruits in 2019.)

Bottom line, the way things look right now don’t be at all surprised to see UVA add another signal caller in the class of 2021, and Simmons III appears solid on the target list. Things could change depending on what happens on the transfer market this spring/summer. As for Simmons’ interest in UVA, it’s not clear how high the Hoos are on his list. The visit went well, but location could play a significant role in his decision, and if that’s the case UVA may have an uphill battle.