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Colin Simmons and Ryan Wingo are currently the top true freshmen in the nation according to PFF

by: James Hayden10/04/24
Ryan Wingo
Ryan Wingo (Will Gallagher/Inside Texas)

According to Pro Football Focus, Texas has the best true freshmen in the country on either side of the football in wide receiver Ryan Wingo and EDGE Colin Simmons.

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There was a world not too long ago where you would have thought that was a misprint. But it’s been far more common in the Steve Sarkisian era for true freshmen who play to succeed. More and more high school recruits heading to Texas finally are living up to their four-and five-star billing. Now elite high school talents like Wingo and Simmons not only live up to expectations but exceed them.

Wingo has 302 total yards and two receiving touchdowns, exceling despite a very crowded and talented receiver room that features a number of veterans.

Wingo’s play is what has earned him an 83.9 offensive grade from PFF, making him the twelfth-highest rated receiver in the country. His receiving grade of 82.0 is good for No. 21 among wideouts.

The true freshman from St. Louis (Mo.) University High has 4.49 yards per route run, an average depth of target of 15.0 yards, and is 2-for-2 on contested catches.

Simmons, a five-star from Duncanville, is living up to all the hype that’s followed him on social media for a number of years since his physique and stature from before he could legally drive went viral.

Fast forward to 2024 and Simmons is making the most of his true freshman season. His first sack came in Texas’ biggest game of the year at Michigan, and it was a sign of things to come. He now leads the team in sacks with 4.0 and tackles for loss with 6.0. All of this has earned him a defensive grade of 89.2 from PFF. Simmons trails just three other EDGEs nationally in defensive grade. His pass rush grade is also a phenomenal 90.2, checking in at No. 6 nationally.

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It’s safe to say things are different in Austin again and the future is only going to be brighter thanks to the efforts of Simmons and Wingo.

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