Matt Simms: 10 Reasons Why He Will Save Tennessee Football
Although it’s tough to force a smile or even a hint of optimism as a Tennessee football fan—with the Volunteers beginning the 2010 campaign at 1-2—it’s time to at least try to focus on the positives of what the future holds.
One of those positive notions surrounds junior quarterback and junior college transfer Matt Simms, the quarterback of the 2010 football team.
And Simms may very well be the answer to the Tennessee faithful prayers for eventual success on the gridiron for the Volunteers.
Could Simms be just what the doctor ordered for restoring Tennessee football?
Here are 10 reasons why the 21-year-old play-caller will save the Volunteers…
No. 10: Although Tennessee Is 1-2 Overall, Simms Has Been Impressive
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After a very successful year at El Camino Community College in 2009, junior transfer Matt Simms has every reason to believe 2010 will be even better.
And despite Tennessee’s rough 1-2 start, Simms has been very impressive thus far for the Volunteers—throwing for 332 yards and one touchdown through the first three games of the team’s 2010 campaign.
But there’s still plenty of time left to turn things around in Tennessee, as conference play has yet to begin and with Simms looking better every week.
No. 9: Simms Is Averaging 6.26 Yards Per Pass; Season Long of 42 Yards
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Another sign of positive things to come for the future of the Tennessee football program revolves around Simms’ 6.26 yards per pass average, with a season-long pass completion of 42 yards.
With the junior QB averaging a first down with a mere two pass completions, look for Simms and the Volunteers to begin bouncing back in the coming weeks as the 2010 season rolls on.
In addition—and looking ahead to Simms’ senior season in 2011 with Tennessee—Vols fans have every reason to be smiling about their new quarterback’s solid start in his first year as the team’s play caller.
No. 8: Through Three Games, Junior Play-Caller Has a 109.79 QB Rating
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Yes, you read that correctly; Simms, the junior QB for the Tennessee Volunteers, enters Week 4 of the 2010 college football season with an unbelievable rating of 109.79.
And that’s despite the team’s overall poor start to the season (1-2), in addition to factoring in a lackluster week two loss in which Simms was unable to connect with his Tennessee receivers for a touchdown.
But overall, Simms has been highly impressive—and quite effective—as he begins his collegiate career anew with the Volunteers.
No. 7: Junior Quarterback Has Completed 54.7 Percent of His Passes
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Another impressive stat that sticks out surrounding Tennessee’s newest quarterback is the fact that Simms has completed 54.7 percent of his passes in 2010.
Through three games and counting with the Volunteers, Simms has completed 29 of 53 pass attempts for 332 yards and one touchdown.
And there’s plenty more highlight reels to come this season for Simms and Tennessee, as the 2010 season has just barely begun.
No. 6: In Latest Game (Week 3), Simms Garnered 270 Yards, 2 TD
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In the Volunteers latest loss (to Florida in Week 3), Simms completed 63.3 percent of his passes for 270 yards and two touchdowns—giving Tennessee fans a damn good reason to be optimistic about the future.
And looking ahead to the remainder of the 2010 season, those stats alone give Vols fans a reason to smile just three games into this year’s gridiron campaign.
No. 5: Like Father, Like Son: Younger Simms Aiming for Dad’s Success
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Matt Simms’ father, Phil, spent 14 years in the NFL (all with the New York Giants).
Now, 17 years after his dad retired from professional football, the youngest Simms QB is aiming for his father’s success.
Whether he actually reaches that high pinnacle has yet to be seen, but one thing is certain: Matt Simms has been around and involved with top-notch football passing since birth, and it’s only a matter of time before the youngest Simms legend begins making a name for himself at Tennessee.
No. 4: 21-Year-Old Junior QB Still Has Room to Grow in 2010 and Beyond
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In addition to the aforementioned reasons to be optimistic about Simms as the Vols’ new QB, fans must also remember that the junior transfer is just 21 years old with a year and a half of college football eligibility remaining.
Meaning Simms has the rest of the 2010 season to continue to grow, and a 2011 campaign awaiting him that could prove the youngest Simms is just as talented as his MVP father.
No. 3: Since Transferring from Junior College, Simms Has Greatly Improved
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Matt Simms just continues to get better year-in and year-out, regardless of the tough road the young QB has taken en route to his final landing spot in Tennessee.
In 2009 at El Camino Community College, Simms completed 59.1 percent of his passes—throwing for 2,204 yards with 17 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
He also helped lead El Camino to it’s fourth consecutive league title.
And now he’s looking to make a difference with Tennessee, as the youngest of the talented Simms aim for national success with the Volunteers in 2010 and beyond.
Just give him a few more games as the team’s play-caller; regardless of how the Vols end this season, Simms is destined for greatness on the college gridiron.
No. 2: It Runs in the Family: Older Brother, Chris, Also a Successful Simms QB
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Not only is Matt Simms’ dad a well-known and former MVP in the NFL, but his older brother—Chris Simms—was also a highly successful college football quarterback for the University of Texas (1999-2002).
And Matt Simms appears to be intent on joining his brother and father in a family of football success stories.
If you want my opinion, I could easily see Matt Simms making a major difference for the Tennessee football team in the very near future.
It may not mean a 2010 bowl berth, but I can almost guarantee you that Simms will be a sight to see in 2011 with the Volunteers.
No. 1: Simms Could End Up Being Tennessee’s Best QB Since Peyton Manning
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Could Matt Simms end up being the best quarterback in Tennessee football history since the legendary Peyton Manning was the Volunteers quarterback?
It’s a might strong statement, but yes; Simms could very well end up being one of the best play-callers in the history of Vols football.
Will it take time? Yes.
Will it take patience? Absolutely.
But don’t give up on Simms yet, Volunteer fans.
Simms WILL save the Tennessee football team; just sit back, relax, and watch in awe as the pieces begin to fall into place…
Denton Ramsey may be reached via email at denton.ramsey@gmail.com
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