Simmons becomes IU's 15th commit for 2013

While on an official visit to IU, Lakeland (Fla.) High School linebacker T.J. Simmons committed to the Hoosiers on Sunday.

Simmons is the 15th member of IU’s 2013 recruiting class and the 10th projected to play defense.

He said he is excited to be joining a class that is already ranked as the best in the Hoosiers’ recent history, according to rivals.com, one that includes four four-star prospects.

“I really would like to play with these guys,” Simmons said. “There’s some really special guys coming up to play, and I just want to be a part of it.”

He also said part of the reason he committed to the Hoosiers was the atmosphere around the program.

With 104 tackles, two sacks and an interception in his senior season at Lakeland, he said he wants to be able to contribute as much as he can to IU next season as a physical inside presence.

“I feel like if I come I could help them win,” Simmons said. “I just love everything about IU, especially all the people around it.”

Simmons is a two-star recruit, according to Rivals.com, and had previous offers from Iowa State and Western Kentucky.

He is also the third player from Florida in the Hoosiers’ 2013 class, joining running back Myles Graham and linebacker Clyde Newton.