MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Receiver T.J. Simmons, among the standouts during Alabama’s spring game in April, announced Sunday he’s leaving school and heading to West Virginia.
That continues the influx of transfers who could impact the Mountaineers’ offense in 2018. Former Miami quarterback Jack Allison and tight end Jovani Haskins recently announced they would continue their careers at WVU.
Simmons appeared to be in the mix for playing time as the Crimson Tide’s No. 3 receiver behind Calvin Ridley and Robert Foster. The Rivals four-star signee enrolled early in 2016, appeared on special teams as a true freshman and enjoyed a productive A-Day game with six catches for 82 yards.
The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Simmons, who caught 20 touchdowns and starred at returner as a high school senior in Pinson, Ala., signed with Alabama over Mississippi State and Cincinnati.
He will have three years’ eligibility remaining at West Virginia beginning in 2018.
When West Virginia signed 21 players in February, coach Dana Holgorsen and director of player personnel Ryan Dorchester stressed the class wasn’t finished. Four transfers and two additional junior college signees later, their statements have proved prophetic.
Alabama is trimming down to the 85-scholarship limit before fall camp, and Simmons’ departure leaves the Tide at 88, according to TideSports.com.
West Virginia currently stands at 83 scholarship players for 2017.
Next Chapter #WVU20 @WestVirginiaU pic.twitter.com/icffpTEGFi
— Tj Simmons? (@a_scouts_dream) June 25, 2017