Football Southern Conference

Simmons To Enroll at The Citadel

Charleston, SC -- Citadel football coach Ellis Johnson announced Friday morning that former Clemson quarterback Willie Simmons is the newest member of the 2003 Bulldog football team.

"I'm relieved for Willie that he can finally get on the field," stated Johnson. "The way things have been handled for this young man have caused it to become a personal situation for Willie."

Simmons, a native of Quincy, FL and a 2002 graduate of Clemson University, has been accepted into The Citadel's College of Graduate and Professional Studies and is now eligible to practice with the Bulldogs. He is the first and only Tiger to ever to earn a degree in three years.

"I am excited to be a member of The Citadel football team." Simmons stated. "They have a rich tradition and knowing former quarterback Jeff Klein excelled in the same situation last year helps me feel more and more comfortable with my new teammates."

Simmons, who originally transferred to Florida A&M after three years as a Tiger, was ruled ineligible to play for the Rattlers in 2003 by the NCAA due to FAMU's jump from I-AA to I-A. Before he can play in one of The Citadel's 12 games, Simmons must obtain a waiver from the NCAA in regards to the one-time transfer rule.

"Willie will have to take it slow at first and then will jump in to the battle for the starting job," added Johnson, "But there is still no guarantees until the NCAA rules that he is eligible. Coach Strange, the quarterback coach, has a big job ahead of him getting Willie up to speed with the playbook and the verbiage of the offense "

During his career at Clemson, Simmons completed 204 of 391 pass attempts for 2,530 yards and 16 touchdowns. He played in 24 games and started eight averaging 187.9 passing yards in his eight starts, which is still the sixth best passing yards per game figure in Clemson history.

The Bulldogs will practice again Friday afternoon at 3:30 on The Citadel's Willson Field.