T.J. Simmons Should Return to WVU Next Season

(Photo by WVU Athletics)

With the NCAA freezing eligibility in 2020, all players have the opportunity to return to their respective squads in 2020. For seniors, this leaves a difficult decision. Return to school to develop for one last season, or test the NFL waters? While this could be a legitimate debate for many players, WVU’s T.J. Simmons shouldn’t give it much thought. The Alabama transfer should return to WVU for one last season.

Today against TCU, Simmons finally became the player we thought he could be when he transferred in from Tuscaloosa. He torched the Horned Frogs with four receptions for 90 yards and two touchdowns – his first two scores of the season. Coming into the game, Simmons had only totaled 11 catches for 219 yards, but had yet to find the end zone.

Each time Simmons has touched the ball in 2020, it has seemed as if magic has happened. Whether it was the two scores today, or a big play that got the offense moving, he has made his presence felt over the last few weeks. Though the statistics haven’t been there this year, the key moment plays have been. However, many teams in the NFL may look down upon his lack of overall production during the draft process, which could ultimately hurt him when all 32-teams determine their future in late April.

If Simmons wants to have a legitimate shot at the next level, he should return to WVU next fall. His ceiling is high, and his production is right on the brink of impressive. Though he has made some solid plays, it just feels as if he could be a much bigger piece in what Neal Brown is trying to do. One more opportunity in this offense, and he could finally flourish into the player he was always meant to be.

He likely won’t reveal his future until well after the season, but the opportunity is there, and he could become a household name with one more season in Morgantown.

T.J., the NCAA has granted you an extra opportunity to prove yourself. Take it and make the most of it. Come back to WVU in 2021, and make a run as one of the best pass-catchers in the Big 12!