4-star athlete Malcolm Simmons commits to Auburn: 'Auburn is just different'

Alexander City (Ala.) Benjamin Russell High School four-star athlete Malcolm Simmons has known for awhile that he was going to Auburn. He’d tell his friends and family it was too close to home, but deep down he knew where he wanted to go.

That decision was already made when Auburn wide receivers coach Marcus Davis showed up one day to Simmons’ practice. Davis offered Simmons that day and that’s when Simmons knew.

Simmons made it official on Saturday announcing his commitment to the Tigers during their Big Cat recruiting event.

“I really grew up an Alabama fan but when I met Coach (Marcus) Davis I knew he would be the right coach for me to put me in a position to succeed at the next level and beyond,” Simmons told On3. “When we Auburn had their big 7-on-7 is when I knew. Me and Coach Davis was talking and I told him that Auburn was going to be my home and that I was going to commit at Big Cat.”

Davis arguably played the biggest role in keeping Simmons home. While Simmons was telling people he was going to go play out of a state at the next level, he had no other connection with a coach like he has with Davis.

On top of his relationship with Davis, Simmons can’t contain his excitement for the group that Hugh Freeze is putting together in his first full cycle at Auburn.

Simmons’ pledge comes just a few days after the Tigers flipped five-star linebacker Demarcus Riddick away from Georgia. Another top in-state talent, nine of Auburn’s 13 pledges currently are from in-state recruits.

“I think this group is going to be huge going forward,” said Simmons, the No. 283 player in the 2024 On300. “We’re getting the best talent out of Alabama. I think any other class is going to be able to compete with us so it’s going to be fun to watch.”

As for why he committed to Auburn in the end, Simmons attributed it to three major factors: brotherhood, coaching and the fan base.

“When I went first down there for a game, I said that this was going to be the spot I was going to play at,” Simmons said. “All of the fans get into the game even when they’re down. I like that a lot because the fans are trying to build you back up.

…The brotherhood at Auburn is just amazing. I’ve been to Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama games but Auburn is just different.”