1/31/2016 football Edit

Purdue takes J.C. pass-rusher

Brian Neubert • BoilerUpload

GoldandBlack.com staff

Looking for pass-rushing help in its 2016 class, Purdue offered, and took a commitment, this weekend from junior college defensive end Rob Simmons.

The 6-foot-6, 216-pound Philadelphia native will have three years to play two seasons at Purdue after playing at Valley Forge Military Academy in Pennsylvania the past two seasons.

"They like how fast I am, how explosive I am off the ball," Simmons said. "They like what kind of pass-rusher I am. They said that's what they really need.

"I don't have great size yet - I'm only 216 pounds - but I'm very quick off the ball and my length makes it hard for quarterbacks to see over me when I get my hands up, being 6-6."

Simmons held an offer from Syracuse's former coaching staff, former members of which are now working for Purdue. After the Orange changed coaches, Simmons was left with just William Patterson, West Liberty and Indiana of Pennsylvania recruiting him, plus interest from Idaho.

Things developed quickly, though, with Purdue.

"It did surprise a little bit," Simmons said. "I didn't expect Purdue to come talk to me. I had Syracuse before that, and that was really the only big school I had."

Simmons recorded double-digit sacks this past season for Valley Forge, piquing Purdue's interest.

It's hoped he can add some pass-rush punch to the Boilermaker front, whether it be now or down the line.

He does have a redshirt season available.

"They said it depends how I come in during the summer and how I perform," Simmons said of the redshirt possibility. "When I get in there, they're going to try to pack on another 20-25 pounds so I can take on those big O-linemen. They were saying it depends on how I (develop) in the summer."

Simmons is Purdue's fourth junior college commitment, joining defensive end signee Austin Larkin, cornerback signee Kamal Hardy, safety Christopher Parker and offensive tackle Jalen Neal.