In a major accolade for Texas football, true freshman EDGE rusher Colin Simmons has been named the winner of the prestigious Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award for the 2024 season. The Maxwell Football Club made the announcement on Thursday, further solidifying Simmons’ breakout year and his rising status as one of the most promising young defensive players in college football.
Simmons, who arrived at Texas as one of the top recruits in the 2024 class, wasted no time making an impact in his first season with the Longhorns. The dynamic pass rusher quickly became a key component of Texas’ defense, showcasing his incredible athleticism, speed, and relentless work ethic throughout the year. With a variety of game-changing plays under his belt, including multiple sacks, tackles for loss, and forced fumbles, Simmons established himself as a force to be reckoned with on the field.
The Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award is named in honor of former NFL star Shaun Alexander, who had a remarkable career as a running back with the Seattle Seahawks. The award recognizes the top freshman player in college football, honoring excellence and standout performances by young talent. Simmons’ selection for this honor speaks to the tremendous impact he made as a true freshman, quickly earning the respect of coaches, players, and fans alike.
“I’m humbled and grateful to receive this award,” Simmons said in his statement. “This recognition is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of not only myself but also my teammates, coaches, and everyone who’s supported me along the way. I’m just getting started, and I’m excited to continue growing and helping Texas achieve great things.”
Throughout the season, Simmons became known for his disruptive presence on the defensive line, consistently putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks and making plays that shifted the momentum of games. His ability to rush the passer and set the tone in the trenches was a key reason Texas’ defense remained one of the top units in the country. His physicality, speed off the edge, and relentless pursuit of the football made him one of the toughest defenders for opposing offenses to deal with.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian praised Simmons’ development over the course of the season. “Colin has been everything we expected and more,” Sarkisian said. “His work ethic, his drive, and his commitment to getting better have been evident since he stepped on campus. To win an award like this as a true freshman is a testament to his talent and the bright future he has ahead of him.”
For Texas, Simmons’ success serves as an indication of the program’s growing talent pool and its ability to develop young stars. His award further boosts Texas’ reputation as one of the premier football programs in the country, attracting top-tier recruits and continuing to build a roster that can compete for championships.
As Simmons prepares for his sophomore season, the expectations for him will only rise. With his freshman year already behind him, the sky’s the limit for this talented EDGE rusher, who has the potential to become one of the top defenders in college football. Texas fans are eager to see what he will do next as he continues to elevate his game and lead the Longhorns defense to new heights.
Winning the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award is just the beginning for Colin Simmons. With his skillset, work ethic, and determination, he’s poised to become a key figure in Texas football for years to come, with an eye on a future that includes All-American honors and potentially a career in the NFL.
