A pedigree for success

Sporting News, The, Jan 25, 1999 by Michael Bradley

Tennessee hopes Chris Simms can draw on his formidable heredity and lead the Volunteers into the 21st century--and to more championships

We now know where John Elway's son will be going to play college football. Same with any of Dan Marino's three boys who happen to blossom into star passers. That goes for any sons of Troy Aikman, Steve Young, Brett Favre and Randall Cunningham, too. They'll be wearing Tennessee orange. So learn the words to "Rocky Top," all you quarterbacking dads, because Knoxville has become the home of top-flight, second-generation quarterbacks.

The latest high school star quarterback to volunteer for duty in Neyland Stadium is Christopher Simms, the flaxen-haired, razor-sharp son of Phil. He follows Peyton Manning--progeny of nimble Archie--and stands as Exhibit A that the Volunteers are serious about becoming the nation's new cradle of passers. Simms' decision also provides insurance that Tennessee will be a major factor on the national scene well into the millennium.

During his sterling four years at Ramapo High School in northern New Jersey, Simms--who is considered the nation's No. 1 quarterbacking prospect by most--completed 59.5 percent of his passes for 7,055 yards and 63 touchdowns. He threw only 13 interceptions. In '98, his numbers were 2,239 yards, 18 touchdowns and three interceptions. He's expected to spend next season backing up senior Tee Martin before taking over in 2000. Simms says he was attracted to Tennessee because of the coaches--even though Randy Sanders has replaced David Cutcliffe (Mississippi's new coach) as offensive coordinator--and the team's pro-style offense. It didn't hurt that more than 100,000 people pack Neyland six Saturdays a year.

"He's exactly what you're looking for in a quarterback," says Bobby Burton, editor of National Recruiting Advisor. "Not only does he have the intangibles of poise, leadership and decision-making ability, he has the arm, the size and accuracy. He also has a nice, free-flowing release."

Because of his lineage, Simms is considered a pre-programmed star, ready to duplicate Manning's exploits--and then some. Simms welcomes the expectations, as shown by his decision to play at Tennessee. He could have gone to Texas, his second choice, or Penn State, where many figured he would land, thanks to his lifelong affinity for the Nittany Lions and three visits to the Penn State summer camp. Instead, he has chosen to add the scrutiny inherent in following Manning to the already-substantial burden of being Phil Simms' son.

"I think there will be comparisons with my dad or Peyton, and I can't worry about that," Simms says. "I have to worry about what's best for me. I don't think it will be as bad as some think, because I don't mind talking about it."

The comparisons between Simms and Manning, The Next Generation, are startling. Each will have entered college as a remarkably poised, multitalented passer with considerable experience reading defenses and making decisions. Each has classic quarterback size. And each rings the bell in the character department. It's hard to spend time with Simms and doubt that he eats his veggies, makes his bed and is kind to kids and small animals. Simms even consulted Manning during the recruiting process and insists Manning offered sound advice, without coloring his remarks with an orange hue. Of course, Manning just happened to be in Knoxville the weekend of Simms' official visit. "Manning was like a big brother," Simms says. "I asked him what he thought about the (Tennessee) coaches, and he answered honestly."

Simms will not be expected to contribute much during his first season because of Martin. Simms could redshirt. Or he may compete for the backup job and garbage-time snaps. He is, however, aware that Manning arrived in Knoxville expected to apprentice under Jerry Colquitt and took over as the starter when Colquitt and Todd Helton were injured early in the 1994 season. "I'm anxious to go and play, but I'm also nervous," Simms says. "I'm a little skeptical, because I don't know what to expect. I worked hard here for four years at Ramapo, making a name for myself and my team. Now I'm just another loser freshman going into a new situation."

He'll have company. A.J. Suggs, who committed to the Vols early last summer, has already enrolled at Tennessee and has been quite outspoken in his intentions of challenging--and overcoming--the Simms phenomenon. Of course, there are many who think Suggs will play Branndon Stewart to Simms' Manning. Others think the rivalry will be more intense. "Suggs is very good," Burton says. "He will provide real competition for Chris Simms. Is Simms a better prospect? Definitely. But A.J. Suggs is no walkover." Both must outplay sophomores-to-be Burney Veazey and Joey Matthews, who were Martin's backups last season.

But Simms is ready for the challenge--he has been preparing for this since he was in grade school, watching games with his dad and working with him in the back yard. Sound familiar? "Dad's been everything to me," Simms says. "He started teaching me the mechanics of the position in eighth grade. He kept his nose out of the decisionmaking process until the end. I couldn't have made the decision without him. I needed his input."