6-foot-3 Texas linebacker receives high praise from teammate Quintrevion Wisner

Modified Apr 10, 2025 19:18 GMT

Syndication: Austin American-Statesman - Source: Imagn

The Texas Longhorns have started their spring training camp. This would have culminated in the spring game, but with that cancelled, the team is focusing on preparing for what could be a national championship-winning season in 2025.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner was asked if any player on the defense is causing problems for the offense. Wisner said:

"Definitely Colin Simmons. "

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Colin Simmons, a linebacker, spent his rookie season with the Longhorns in 2024. He was part of a defense that was widely regarded as one of, if not the finest in all of college football.

The 6-foot-3 linebacker registered 31 tackles, nine sacks, three forced fumbles and one interception. This immediately made him one of the strongest parts of Longhorns' defense, and one of the best defensive freshmen in college football last season.

Texas' defense is formidable with Simmons on the roster. This is something his teammates (Wisner) are aware of, and if they are failing to get through him at training camp, those issues will be compounded once the Longhorns begin playing competitive football.

An NFL star reacts to Collin Simmons changing his jersey number

During his successful freshman season, Collin Simmons wore the No. 11 jersey. However, this is something that he will not be doing for his sophomore year.

Simmons will wear the No. 1 jersey for the 2025 season. This was previously worn by Justice Finkley in 2024. But, since Finkley has transferred to the Kansas Jayhawks in the offseason, the number was claimed by Simmons.

Dallas Cowboys defensive end and fellow wearer of the No. 11 jersey Micah Parsons reacted on X (formerly Twitter) to Simmons' decision to change numbers.

"You took off the 11?"

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In response to Parsons' post, Simmons explained his decision to change his jersey number.

"11 at heart... I gotta go down my own path," he wrote.

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By choosing his own number, Simmons is making an identity for himself.

About the author

Ben Tredinnick is a journalist who covers college football and college basketball at Sportskeeda who is currently studying for a masters in Data Science. His degree in Psychology has helped him gain an in-depth understanding of the minds of coaches.

Ben has been involved in sports writing since 2022 and covered the NFL previously. His strengths include providing in-depth profiles of athletes and coaches, with a particular focus on development, and looking at which teams could be in the hunt for today's college stars.

Ben enjoys following college sports more than the NBA or NFL because there is more variation in terms of playstyles. The tournaments are often more competitive than the major leagues, and due to the constant turnover of players, there are rarely any "superteams" in college sports.

He prioritizes research, looks at multiple sources and publications to make sure he gets the full picture of the story before writing. He tries not to write from a one-sided perspective to allow the reader to be able to make their mind up on their own.

A Texas Longhorns fan, as well as a massive New York Giants fan, some of his favorite college players of all time are Arch Manning, Tim Tebow and Reggie Bush.

When he is not working, Ben enjoys watching films (especially Godzilla) and spending time with his cat.

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Edited by Krutik Jain