AUSTIN — Texas Longhorns edge rusher Colin Simmons has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Sean Alexander Freshman of the Year Award, Maxwell Football Club announced Thursday.
He is the first recipient of this award in the program’s seven-year history. “This was the closest race in the history of this award, and I know we picked a great winner,” said Alexander, the Alabama tailback. “Colin is the perfect representative of the Shaun Alexander FPOY Award, a great talent, a great character and a great ambassador for the University of Texas, and we know he is a legend and a future superstar in the NFL. I believe there is.”
Simmons was a godsend for Steve Sarkisian in his first season. He appeared in every game this 12-2 season, leading the team with eight sacks for a loss of 60 yards, and leading the team in tackles for loss (12.5), quarterback hurries (nine) and forced tackles (nine). He also ranks second in fumbles (3).
The five-star recruit out of Duncanville leads all FBS freshmen in total sacks and ranks second in sacks per game (0.57). His eight sacks are the third-most by a Texas freshman in program single-season history.
Simmons was excited to hear the news of the award directly from Alexander.
“I was so excited when I found out. I was so excited that I couldn’t even say a word to Mr. Alexander and had to rush to show it to my mom who called me,” Simmons said. spoke. “It’s such an honor and I’m so grateful. You’ve helped me get to the position I’m in and allowed me to play to the best of my ability and grow as a person on and off the field. I want to thank my teammates and coaches for that. This really goes to them as well.”
Pairing with sophomore Anthony Hill Jr. to form an outstanding pass-rushing tandem, Simmons was also named to the SEC All-Freshman team, the only Longhorn to do so.
“I just pulled up to my aunt’s house on Christmas Day and she called me and said, ‘You know what it means to call on Christmas Day.’ I thought he was saying that and then he said I won. He talked to all the finalists, so I’ve talked to him before, but he took the time to talk to me outside of the uniform. It means a lot that he gets to know us and that he cares so much and is so involved. I’m so grateful and things like this motivate me even more. . Regardless of the fact that I have won this award, I still have things to work on, things to improve on, and I have to improve every day.”
Simmons made his first collegiate interception in a 38-24 win over the Tigers, moving the Longhorns three wins away from winning their fifth national championship and first since 2005.
In his first season, Simmons was a tremendous addition to the Texas defense, leading all FBS teams with 29 takeaways, including 20 interceptions.
