The Football Brainiacs

Noteworthy Numbers

1987-1991 – Brian Brauninger

1976-1980 – Louis Oubre

1972-1975 – Terry Webb

1966-1967 – Granville Liggins

Player Profile

Position: Offensive Lineman

Height: 6’5”

Weight: 321

Class: Redshirt Senior

Seasons at OU: 0

Hometown: Gallatin, Tenn.

Previous School: Western Carolina University

The Path to Norman

Derek Simmons took a long road to Norman. Simmons played high school football in Florida, then began his college football career at Tusculum. After one season, he transferred to Abilene Christian for one season before landing at Western Carolina. He was at WCU for three seasons before transferring to the Sooners.

Career so Far

Simmons’ playing time was limited until his second season at WCU. In 2023, he started for the first six games of the season before an injury sidelined him for the rest of the year.

In 2024, he started in ten games on the line; Simmons did not allow a sack in 417 pass blocking snaps and was named to the second-team All-Southern Conference team.

Stats

Years: 2024 | 2023 | Career

Games Played: 10 | 6 | 16

Stats via Soonersports.com

This Season

The starting right tackle spot will be a battle between Simmons and Jake Taylor. If Jake Taylor wins the role, Simmons’ versatility may allow the staff to start him elsewhere on the line. In his one year with the Sooners, expect Simmons to be a starter and big presence on the line.