Cedrick Simmons

Physical Profile

Listed at 5-9, 190 lbs. Taller than 3% and heavier than 72% of 2027 Wide Receiver prospects in the SEC Scouts database (36 with a listed size).

Play Style

On film he plays like a running back at receiver. He wins early with short, choppy steps that freeze defenders, catches through contact, and gets upfield right away instead of dancing. Selma moved him around and fed him on screens, slants, crossers and option routes, and he also won downfield, often with timing and positioning on 50-50 balls rather than pure speed. He is physical after the catch and reliable with the ball. His defensive background shows in his anticipation and how he tracks the ball in the air.

Strengths

• Historic production: 106 receptions, 2,192 yards and 20 TDs as a junior, the most receiving yards in the state. Defenses knew he was getting the ball and still couldn't stop it.
• Separation through footwork: 247's Andrew Ivins says he 'shakes coverage with choppy yet efficient feet' and separates at all three levels despite his size. He wins with tempo and leverage rather than length.
• Run-after-catch power: at 190-197 pounds he runs through arm tackles and turns quick screens and underneath routes into big gains. Evaluators say he is 'dangerous with the football in his hands.'
• Plays bigger than his size in the air: evaluators say he can 'climb the ladder' on contested balls and has no trouble in jump-ball situations, thanks to good timing and hands.
• Versatility: he can line up in the slot, motion into the backfield, and handle jet sweeps or returns. His two-way play (34 tackles, 7 INTs, 2 pick-sixes) shows instincts and ball skills.

Areas to Improve

• Route detail against better competition: much of his production came against Class 5A-6A coverage in the Black Belt. He needs to sharpen his stems, his breaks at the top of routes, and his reads against zone to separate from SEC nickel corners.
• Release package and catch radius: at about 5-9 he must beat press with hand work and quickness. Small-framed slots get rerouted easily if their releases aren't refined.
• Proving his long speed: there is no verified elite track or laser time. He needs to show he can win vertically, not just underneath and after the catch, to keep safeties honest.
• Body management: he needs to keep his weight around 190-195 without losing burst, and add the strength and technique to block on the perimeter in Alabama's run game.

College Projection

He fits as a slot (Z/F) and motion weapon in Kalen DeBoer's receiver-friendly offense. Receivers coach Derrick Nix recruited him. Expect a redshirt-style first year (four-game limit) in 2027 while he adds strength and polishes routes. He could contribute on special teams or in packages (screens, jet motion, returns) as a redshirt freshman. With his production and versatility, he projects as a rotational slot by year three and could become a productive starter by years 3-4 if his long speed holds up. Alabama's elite receiver depth means early snaps aren't guaranteed. The other path is a utility role that adds returns, or a move to nickel if receiver doesn't work out.

Best Fit

A spread or 11-personnel offense that moves its slot around and creates easy touches through motion, RPOs, screens and option routes, which gets the ball to his run-after-catch ability. Alabama under DeBoer and Nix fits that well. Pro-style systems that want receivers built for the boundary would limit him.