Cody Simon is a four-star offensive linebacker who committed to Ohio State this summer. According to 247Sports, Simon is 6'1", weighing 218 pounds. He is currently in his senior year at St. Peter's Prep in Jersey City, NJ. Simon ranks as the No. 155 prospect in the country, the No. 10 outside linebacker, and New Jersey's No. 4 overall prospect.
Simon announced his commitment by tweeting: "After much deliberation with my family and coaches, I have made the decision to attend The Ohio State University!! I am grateful to now be able to focus on my team and our success for the 2019 season."
With St. Peter's, Simon had 89 tackles, 13.5 tackles for losses, and 4.5 sacks. Ohio State now has the No. 5 recruitment ranking for 2020, and Cody Simon is a big part of that, as one of seven four-star players who've committed to join.
What Options Did Simon Consider Other Than Ohio State?
Reportedly, 17 schools were pursuing Simon, and he narrowed his top three down to Penn State, Nebraska, and Ohio State, notably all Big Ten programs. Cody's brother Shane plays for the Fighting Irish, so everyone expected Notre Dame would make him an offer. If they did, it was assumed he would be impossible to get, so recruiters weren't wasting their time. When it became clear that Notre Dame wasn't pursuing Simon, the top football programs lined up to recruit him, among them Ohio State's Jeff Hafley.
Why Ohio State?
Apparently Simon's Relationship with head coach Ryan Day and defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley was on of the factors that made him choose Ohio State. Of Ryan Day, Simon reportedly said: "One of the things I like about [Day] is the way players talk about him when he's not around. I've only heard good things about him, and how much of a team guy he is. They really like him, and that really speaks to his character and how he is since his players talk about him with such a high opinion. That's what I like about him. He's a great guy and he's a team player. I just really enjoy him."
Simon also highlighted Ohio State's style of play as a key factor in his decision: "What I like about Ohio State is they're aggressive. They let their linebackers be athletic and make plays, and that is really what I like to do and play hard and be aggressive."
Cody Simon: Buckeyes commit excited by new defense, Ohio State future
What Does Cody Simon Bring to Ohio State?
He's a true athlete. At 6'1", 218, he's not your typical bulky, lumbering linebacker. He's got extraordinary speed and great lateral movement. Simon is the type of linebacker Ohio State hasn't seen in quite some time. He also has great instinct and general awareness of the ball and his surroundings. He's a running back's worst nightmare, known for blasting though the line and disrupting running plays in the backfield. Simon also has zone coverage skills which will likely be put to good use.
In short, Cody Simon's recruitment is a victory for Ohio State and should give them a defensive boost. He's one of those players you should look forward to watching.