Kenneth Simon

Physical Profile

Listed at 6-2, 200 lbs. Taller than 29% and heavier than 0% of 2027 Linebacker prospects in the SEC Scouts database (34 with a listed size).

Play Style

He's a quick-reacting, run-and-hit linebacker who does his best work in space. He runs down plays from the backside, closes on screens and perimeter runs, and tackles well in the open field. Brentwood Academy sends him on blitzes and moves him to the edge on passing downs, where his burst and length turn into sacks and TFLs. His interception and pass breakup suggest he can play in coverage. His kick-return work and occasional carries show the kind of open-field athleticism coaches look for when they project a linebacker to cover.

Strengths

• Range: evaluators say he can play sideline to sideline and tackle well in space. That's the key trait for a Will or space linebacker who has to cover the perimeter against spread offenses.
• Pass-rush value: he had 4.5 sacks and 8 tackles for loss as a junior in 2025. That shows he can rush off the edge or on the blitz, so he isn't limited to reading and flowing.
• Ball skills and all-around athleticism: he added an interception, a pass breakup and a blocked kick in 2025, plus 129 kick-return yards and 64 rushing yards with a touchdown. His coaches use him as a weapon in all three phases.
• Background and polish: as the son of a former All-SEC and NFL linebacker, he should come in with more understanding of the position than most recruits. He also played in a Brentwood Academy program that routinely faces top in-state private-school competition.

Areas to Improve

• Play strength and weight: at about 205-215 he needs to get bigger to take on SEC guards and fullbacks between the tackles and to hold up at the point of attack as an edge setter. How well he adds weight will decide whether he's an every-down Mike/Will or a situational player.
• Settling on a role: splitting time between off-ball linebacker and edge rusher helps his recruiting value, but he'll need to get sharper at one job. As an off-ball backer that means eye discipline, run fits and zone-drop depth. As an edge player it means a pass-rush plan and hand use.

College Projection

He projects as a Will or space linebacker in Tennessee's 4-2-5 look, with possible situational snaps as a pressure player off the edge. He should be a core special-teams player right away in 2027. A realistic plan is to redshirt or play in a rotation as a freshman while adding weight, compete for a starting job in year two, and become a multi-year starter from 2029 on. His football background should shorten the mental learning curve. The physical side will set his timeline.

NFL Outlook

He has Day 2-3 upside if he fills out to 225-235 while keeping his range. The NFL wants linebackers who can cover and run, and his tackling in space plus his pass-rush production fit what it drafts at the position. His father was a seventh-round pick. Kenneth has the athletic tools to go higher if his frame and coverage skills develop in the SEC.

Best Fit

A multiple, pressure-heavy defense that uses a four-down front with a space/Will linebacker against spread offenses. That's the role Tennessee is likely to give him. Programs that blitz their linebackers and use hybrid edge/off-ball players (the 'star/joker' style) get the most out of him. A strong strength-and-conditioning program to build his frame is a must.