Myles Simmons signs with West Florida
We did it! The sense of joy, pride, admiration, accomplishment, and gratitude felt as my son signed his National Letter of Intent to become a college football player is a feeling and a day we will never forget. A culmination of many days of hard work, planning, and sacrifice since he was 5 years old to get here. Numerous ups and downs, minor injuries, major doubts, but in the end, a goal achieved and a journey continued. Myles signed with the University of West Florida on February 7, 2024, and we could not be more excited.
At West Florida Myles will have the opportunity to compete for early playing time, pursue his major, be a part of a winning culture, and play for a great coaching staff. He also won’t be too far from home. While we admittedly would have liked more choices and opportunities in his recruiting process, I don’t know if he could’ve ended up in a better situation. West Florida is a D2 program, but it’s one of the top D2 programs in the country, with quality facilities and a great plan for the future. He has access to all of the necessary amenities he needs to grow as a player and person.
Myles was a late bloomer. But I always knew he would bloom. Others have doubted him along the way and some thought he would play basketball. I always knew he could and would play college football if he wanted to. Our city just doesn’t produce basketball players. We have a football culture and quality football coaches. Our kids always compete and are always coached up. St. Augustine doesn’t typically have the 4 star and 5 star freak athletes but our kids beat them every year. That’s been the frustrating part of Myles’ journey. You come to find out that college coaches don’t value winning games or reps in the way you would think.
During high school, Myles has grown not just in height, but a lot as football player because he didn’t come into high school wanting to be that. He wanted to be a hooper. He didn’t even play football his 8th grade season. But I told him, “you have to play your freshman year and then you can do what you want after that.” I knew then, what he and everybody else has learned since. Not only would he play but he would be great at it. That he would surpass many players people thought were better and become a better football player than basketball player. He admittedly enjoys football more than basketball now. For him, it’s more competitive and he embraces the grit. It’s been a joy to watch him really fall in love with the game I always have.
His understanding of the game and his skill level has always been some of his best attributes. He just had to get taller and he did. He was never the fastest kid on the field but could get to the right spot faster than better athletes. He’s spent time playing QB in his youth because he could lead a team and make decisions under pressure. He’s even been a two way player in 7v7 his whole time in high school because he can read & react better than a lot of kids that play defense full time. Playing two sports year round prevented him from putting on the weight needed to bring the physicality as a defender. But he’s already put on 7 lbs. since basketball season ended. Not going immediately going into AAU and 7v7 this year has allowed for rest, increased training, and better eating habits.
I never doubted he could play, but in the final few months of recruiting I did begin to wonder if the college coaches saw what I did. A kid with great hands, great route running, good blocking, and a winner. A 3 year starter for one of the most successful programs in all of North Florida and a leader at his position group since his sophomore season. Myles wins reps! He’s where he needs to be when he’s supposed to be there; A QB’s best friend if you really know football. I’m grateful the staff at West Florida saw the value in the things he brings to the field and to his team.
The way he runs his routes is exactly how we feel about his next chapter at West Florida. It’s where he’s supposed to be, when he’s supposed to be there. We are Argos!!! As long as he stays true to himself I know he will be a star at West Florida on and off the field. Win the rep! Pursue excellence! Abundantly blessed with no limitations. Go be great son! Until next time, B U!
