Four years removed from high school, the New Bern native isn't quite ready to give up his dreams of playing Division I college football.
So when East Carolina's official practices begin in August, the former Bears' running back will be battling for a spot on the roster as a walk-on.
�It's probably the toughest thing I've done in my life,� Simmons said. �You definitely have to be motivated to be a walk-on. You don't get the same type of respect as somebody that is a scholarship player.
�You have to prove yourself to the coaches and hope that the coaches recognize you and what you do.�
Simmons didn't receive an offer to be a preferred walk-on. Instead, the senior has to tryout as a walk-on.
�First, a walk-on has to go through position drills and run the 40 (yard dash),� Simmons said. �If you make the cut for that, then you get invited to practice.
Simmons, a member of New Bern's 2007 4AA state championship team, is listed on the spring roster at 5-foot-9, 205 pounds.
�I've been working my butt off and the coaches recognizing what I am doing,� Simmons said. �It's definitely harder for a walk-on.
�I can bring hard work and be someone who wants to win. I love the game so much, so each and every day, I am going to give it all I got.�
If given the opportunity, Simmons believes he can contribute to the Pirates � either on Saturdays or on the practice field.
During spring practices, he started off on the scout team before eventually taking some reps with the first, second and third team offenses.
�This is my senior year, so I am expecting to go in and make an impact on the team in any way that I can,� he said. �I really want to play this year, so I am going to give it everything I've got.�
Simmons could have joined ECU as a preferred walk-on out of high school, but opted to go to college at N.C. Central.
By watching his brother play for the Pirates, it provided Simmons with the aspirations to put on that purple and gold uniform.
�I used to go to (Chris') games and watch him play,� Simmons said. �That helped me become a fan of East Carolina. I've always wanted to play there since I saw him play.�
�He told that being a walk-on is going to be hard,� Simmons said. �He told me to make sure that each and every day I go out and work hard and let the coaches know that I deserve a spot on the team.�
Bernice Mantz , age 89, passed away Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at Elmcroft of Washington Township. Bernice born January 18, 1929 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Charles and Olive Sparks.
Bernice was a devoted member of the St. Henry's Catholic Parish and a former member of The Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church. Bernice enjoyed spending time and baking for her entire family. She was an avid Euchre player and square dancer. Bernice was a Sunday school teacher at St. Mary’s Church of Hillsboro.
Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Christian F. Mantz, Sr. and son, Bruce G. Mantz, Sr.
Bernice is survived by her children, Christian F. (Vanessa) Mantz, Jr., Patricia L. Hart and Albert (Teresa) Mantz; grandchildren, Christan R. (William) Heidenreich, Tess Dalsing, Bruce G. (Valerie) Mantz, Jr., Lori (Jay) Hooten and Michelle Mantz; 13 great-grandchildren; along with many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held at Newcomer South Chapel, 3940 Kettering Blvd., Kettering, Ohio on Monday November 12, 2018 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Mass of Christian burial will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at St. Henry Catholic Parish, 6696 N. Springboro Pike in Dayton. Burial to follow the Mass at Miami Valley Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Hospice of Dayton or St. Henry Catholic Parish
Albert, I am very sorry for the loss of your mother. You were very blessed to have her for so long. I never met your parents in all the years we were on Rockwood. I wish I had. Take care.
The best memory I have a Bernice is on Fridays her and I would go get her hair done and then we go do the donut shop in Miamisburg and just sit there a while and laugh and talk and have our donut. I enjoyed time with Bernice she was so loving and we had a good time together laughing and talking I will miss her much but hope someday to see her again rest in peace Bernice
Grandma, Missing you is an understatement. I will forever cherish our time together and keep all of our memories as close to my heart as I can. You were my best friend, my heart. A love so deep it touches the soul. My life will always feel the void of you gone. I love you past eternity. I know the angels were singing and it was the most grand entrance when you crossed into heaven. I also know you were so excited to see Grandpa again and Uncle Bruce again. Give them a big kiss for me.