By Erik Harris
TUSCALOOSA – Clay-Chalkville’s senior wide receiver, T.J. Simmons, has been committed to play for Alabama since February of this year, and relished his opportunity to play in Bryant-Denny Stadium for the first time last week.
He and the No. 1 Cougars dropped the Class 6A state championship game to No. 2 Spanish Fort, 31-28, on Friday night. Despite the losing effort, Simmons showed the big-play ability that college coaches love about him.
With Clay-Chalkville trailing 14-0 midway through the second quarter, Simmons delivered on a 3rd-and-29 situation, pulling down a Ty Pigrome pass on the home sideline and weaving through the Toros’ defense for a 52-yard touchdown.
After securing the catch 38 yards from the end zone, he went left, broke free from two would-be tacklers, turned down the opposite sideline thanks to a thunderous block by running back Brandon Berry, and bolted downfield for a 52-yard score at the most unlikely of times. That much-needed touchdown updated the score to 14-7 in favor of Spanish Fort.
“It’s a great stadium, it’s a great place to play and it’s a great way to start off my career even tough we lost,” said Simmons following the game.
He finished the night with three catches for 87 yards and the hard-fought touchdown.
Simmons also spent time on the defensive side of the ball, proving valuable in run support from his perch in the Cougars’ secondary. The part-time safety led the team with five solo tackles and another three assists.
He also made his mark off the stat sheet with a big block, which sprung a highlight reel touchdown pass from Pigrome to Berry late in the fourth quarter.
“I’m ready to get out here (to Tuscaloosa) and play but for the next month, I’m going to try to hang with family and friends and try to spend as much time with them as possible,” said Simmons.
Erik Harris is the Sports Editor for the Trussville Tribune. Follow him on Twitter @jeharris2 or email him at jmseharris2@gmail.com.