Profile: One-on-One with Bison Wide Receiver Kevin Simmonds

Before my current writing life, there was The Hilltop, Howard University’s and the Nation’s Oldest Black Collegiate Newspaper, where many of the questions and themes I still explore first found their voice. What follows are my early published works, preserved in their original form.

From The Hilltop Archives

Originally published in The Hilltop, Howard University — September 20th, 2004

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Profile: One-on-One with Bison Wide Receiver Kevin Simmonds

It's not difficult to distinguish Kevin Simmonds from the rest of the student body at Howard. The senior COBIS major from Tallahassee, Fla. seems to be an average student, wearing shorts and a t-shirt to stay cool during D.C.'s seasonably warm September. With a 28-inch gold link and two diamond earrings, he's just the typical Howard male, right? 

 

Wrong…

 

Simmonds is the leading wide receiver on the Bison football team. Rocking number 81, he came into the team's home opener against Texas Southern University two weeks ago crunk. The whole football team was looking forward to this game. 

 

Simmonds showed just how ready he was for his final year at Howard when he tied the school record for most touchdowns in a single game with four and led the Bison to their first win of the 2002 season. 

 

In a candid interview with Simmonds, he discussed his anticipations this season, his thoughts about the recently set record, and his post-Howard plans. 

 

The Hilltop: Looking back at last season, what are your thoughts and feeling going into your final season with a new coaching staff?

 

Simmonds: After last season, knowing we were going to have new coaches, I felt that the team was going to have a different feel about them, something new. 

 

Most times when you get something new it's a whole new experience. I think that things have changed, people have changed. We're going to have a better season, a better game plan. I was looking forward to something good, something better.

 

Hilltop: Coming into your senior year, were there any expectations, things you want to do, records you want to break? Or do you approach this season with the plan of just trying to play your best?

 

Simmonds: The only goal I have is to have a better season than I did last year. I'm not really worried about breaking any records. If it comes, it comes. I try not to play thinking 'let me do this for a record or I am doing this to have a better personal record'. If I achieve any goals or records in the process, than so be it. The more the merrier.

 

Hilltop: Going into the home opener and this being your senior year, what were your thoughts going into the game and what were your thoughts after breaking the record?

 

Simmonds: Going into the first game, I knew we needed to get that first win under our belts. We haven't done that in four years. That was the biggest plan. As for the record, I really didn't know I had one until [the team] told me. Now that I have this record, I have something to work toward. If I know I can get four, it's not that hard to get five or six, even seven. After the game, it's good to have that win. Going into the second game with a win under your belt gives you that much more confidence. You feel you can beat anyone. That win meant a lot to the team and me.

 

Hilltop: Most quarterbacks have a go-to guy, their primary receiver. Do you see yourself as a go-to guy? Are you able to get comfortable, get in a zone with Donald Clack as opposed to a second or third string quarterback?

 

Simmonds: It feels good to know that you're the go-to guy, but it comes with a price. When you start getting double-teamed like I was at Hampton, you need to throw it other places. It feels good to get all the catches, but if I can't get it done, I want you to throw it somewhere else. That's when it's time for the other receivers to show why they are at the starting position. Don't get greedy. Hell, the win is more important than my personal stats. Having one quarterback is good for the team. It makes things work a lot smoother.

 

Hilltop: Most athletes have rituals they perform before a game. What are some of your pre-game rituals? How do you prepare before a game?

 

Simmonds: The night before a game, I usually lie in my bed and toss a football continuously in the air. I review plays and catches I might have in the game. I try and predict the plays that might be called for me so I can mentally prepare. Once I think about it or dream about it in the room, it's that much easier to do it when the game comes.

 

Hilltop: What are your plans after you graduate college?

 

Simmonds: Right now my GPA is a 3.25 and I am doing good on the field. If I was guaranteed a chance to go to the NFL, I'll do the football thing. Right now I am not hoping for one situation and looking to fall back on another. I have two roads to choose from. One is the business world with the grades and offers I have received. That road is paved. The other has many different components. I have to have a great season, a great 40 time, etc. I'll have to find out after the season what I can do. It doesn't matter which, but if my NFL contract isn't guaranteed then I'll take my business road. I want to leave college with a secure decision. The business world is guaranteed, but the NFL is real cutthroat. I'd rather take my office.

 

Hilltop: Most students on campus are defined by what they do; be it sports, clubs, what have you. Are you defined by football? Does your attitude on the field carry over to the classroom or the yard?

 

Simmonds: I am laid back everyday. It's not often you'll see me sporting a Howard football t-shirt. I don't want people to say, "he's a football player." We already have a negative connotation. Either he's an ' a**hole, a dog, or he's dumb as hell'. 

 

I don't wear my football t-shirt in class because the professors might think I am looking for a hand out or I don't know what I am doing. So I never wear a football t-shirt. I end up being one of the smartest students in class, then toward the end of the semester you might see that t-shirt and it's, "you play football?" [People are] surprised to see a football player do that well. In the beginning, I don't want many people knowing I am a football player. Don't try and judge me because I play football. Find out what I am about in class first. 

 

I mostly keep to myself. I don't hang out with a lot of people. You'll rarely see me on the yard. On the field it's a totally different person. I am very hype, playful, loud, making plays and trying to get the crowd hype. I have two different personalities, on and off the field.

 

Hilltop: How are you able to find that medium between the strict School of Business and the field?

 

Simmonds: I have to be dedicated, especially on long weekend trips when we leave on Thursday and come back Sunday. It's hard with practice, team meetings, and class, but I am lucky to make it through. I guess it's my hard work. 

 

Sports are connected to life. If you work hard in your sport, it'll carry over to your schoolwork. It's how much work you put in behind the scenes that counts. It was hard my first couple of years balancing my classes and football, trying to study after practicing. I get tired but it's that extra effort you put into it. It's all about balance.

 

Simmonds is focused. He's got his plans in order. Who knows? This soon to be Howard alumnus could be the newest superstar in EA Sports Madden 2000. Or he might just be behind the scenes working the business side of EA Sports.