After a career outing against Mississippi State, Hartfield Academy alum and Alabama defensive tackle London Simmons has been named the Southeastern Conference’s Defensive Lineman of the Week.
The Crimson Tide sophomore filled the stat sheet in a 56-23 win over the Bulldogs in Starkville. In his return to his home state, Simmons recorded two tackles, including a team-high 1.5 sacks for 12 yards, as Alabama finished with a season-high five sacks.
On Mississippi State’s first offensive possession, Simmons sacked Kamario Taylor, forcing a fumble that he recovered himself.
Simmons’ 1.5 sacks in the game against Mississippi State matched his total from his freshman season in 2025 and brought his 2026 total to 2.0. He has 10 tackles thus far this season.
College football rankings: Mississippi State drops one spot after Alabama loss
Simmons, a Jackson native, played for coach Craig Bowman at Hartfield from 2022-24 and was a unanimous three-star prospect in the 2025 recruiting class. Ranked as the No. 16 prospect in Mississippi and the No. 34 defensive line recruit nationally, he signed with Alabama over Arkansas, Duke, and NC State.
Another former Mississippi player was also recognized in the latest SEC weekly awards. Austin Simmons, who played at Ole Miss from 2023-25, was named the SEC Co-Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for 340 yards and two touchdowns in Missouri’s 45-17 win over Florida.
