4-star DL Damari Simeon names top four schools

Egg Harbor Township (N.J.) St. Augustine Prep four-star defensive lineman Damari Simeon has four schools at the top of his recruitment.

The 6-foot-2, 275-pounder announced on Wednesday evening via X that Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State and Texas make up his top quartet of programs.

Simeon is the No. 185 overall prospect and No. 20 DL in the 2026 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 3 player in New Jersey.

On3 ranks Simeon higher than other recruiting services. He ranks No. 66 nationally and No. 7 at the DL position, per the 2026 On300.

Back in February, Simeon dropped a top 10. Notre Dame, Duke, Texas A&M, Syracuse, Tennessee and Wisconsin did not make his latest cut. Simeon also plays tight end at the high school level. St. Augustine Prep finished as the No. 10 team in New Jersey last season, per the On3 Composite Rankings.

Simeon is coming off a slew of spring visits and has now cut things down further in his process. He previously told On3’s Chad Simmons that he was eyeing a summer decision. Visits will play a crucial role in his eventual decision, as will other factors.

“The most important factors to me and my family for deciding on a school are academics, player development, the coaches and program tradition,” Simeon told Simmons in December.

“I have to get a feel for everything in person,” he added. “No matter how much research you do, seeing everything in person gives you the best feeling about the school and the program. I try to look for things that differentiate a school from the others and what the school can provide that others can’t.”

Scout’s Take on Damari Simeon

Simeon made a major move in the On300 rankings last fall and he remains an outlier for On3’s scouting and rankings team. He previously drew hefty praise from National Scout Cody Bellaire:

“Damari Simeon is truly one of the freakier movers along the defensive line we have seen this season. At 6-foot-2, 275 pounds, Simeon’s burst and lateral ability are off the charts. He is able to destroy blockers as soon as the ball is snapped but also has the balance and body control in order to work down the line of scrimmage if the play is away from him. His ability to play with such low pad level and get underneath blockers pads allows him to manhandle offensive linemen with ease and it allows him to basically live in opposing backfields on every down. He has one of the highest floors in the entire country due to his ability to displace blockers consistently.”