Jeffery Simmons to Mississippi State: Bulldogs Land 5-Star DE Prospect

Quarterbacks in the SEC might be seeing a lot of pressure coming at their strong side over the next few seasons, since the Mississippi State Bulldogs landed 5-star defensive end Jeffery Simmons on Wednesday.

John Talty of Alabama Media Group reported Simmons' decision.

The Macon, Mississippi, product is ranked by 247Sports' composite ratings as the No. 1 prospect in his state, the third-best defensive end in the nation and the 19th-best overall prospect in the country.

Hudl.com took a look at some of his achievements and highlights during the 2015 season:

At 6'3 ½", 277 pounds, he is a sight to behold, especially among the high school ranks. But on the end of the defensive line, he's shown the ability to power his way through any blocking scheme while possessing the agility and speed to run down even the quickest backs.

Simmons has been recruited hard by both of Mississippi's SEC powerhouses. Ole Miss has been after him since he was a freshman and Mississippi State started recruiting him later, according to Scout.com's Yancy Porter, who spoke with the defensive end about the schools:

"

It's just a family thing up there. When I go up there it is all about Ole Miss. All you hear is that it is all about family. And what I have learned it is all about relationships. Their coaching staff is good about making it a big family up there. It's more than football up there. ...

It's the same thing, really. MSU, I think they were like my first offer. I have a great relationship with their coaching staff. In some ways it's just like Ole Miss. They have a family atmosphere up there, but I mean, I have gained a good relationship with coaches (David) Turner and (Dan) Mullen.

"

He had also been recruited by big schools like Alabama and Tennessee, but the Mississippi schools emerged as his favorites, per 247Sports. 

Now, he'll head to Starkville to give the Bulldogs defensive line a big boost. Added defensive versatility never hurts, especially in a conference like the SEC.

Simmons could be just the shot in the arm the Mississippi State defense needs. 

The Bulldogs defense wasn't in the top 50 last season, and its pass rush didn't fare much better, recording 30 sacks in 13 games. That was only good enough to tie for 46th in the nation. 

With Simmons coming off the edge in Mississippi State's defense, SEC offenses have a huge prospect to look out for moving forward. His presence on the defensive line should only improve the Bulldogs' numbers when he's ready to go. 

Stats courtesy of NCAA.com.