DL John Simon (official thread)

[wadc45]

http://www.vindy.com/news/2008/aug/2...lity-strength/

Published:Thursday, August 21, 2008
By Joe Scalzo

Ohio State-bound John Simon ready to lead Mooney’s attack

The veteran two-way lineman has his sights set on another state title run.

The field used to go this way,” he said, pointing north and south. “It was a rock field. After a couple practices, all you had was stone and dust.”

Things are a little different now - for one thing, the turf practice field used to belong to the New Orleans Saints - but not that different. Simon still recognizes a few teachers walking the hallways and his old coach, Don Bucci, is still roaming the sidelines, albeit as the athletic director.

They say that in Youngstown, 30 years ago was yesterday. At Mooney, it seems true. The younger Simon grew up listening to his dad tell stories about his high school days and there was little doubt which jersey he’d wear one day.

Continued...

Ohio High School Football - Blitz on Vindy.com - Youngstown, Warren, Mahoning Valley The Cardinals dropped a 34-20 decision against Mentor. - Vindy.com Breaking News - High School Football - Youngstown, Warren, Columbiana, Ohio

Senior John Simon, an Ohio State recruit, had two sacks from his defensive tackle position.

"John Simon's a player; he's awesome," said Trivisonno. "They'll [Mooney] be fine."

[bucknut11]

I got to see John play today. His PT was fairly limited, mostly because Mooney destroyed Covington (KY) Catholic 57-0.

From what I saw, John was getting a double-team from the OL on nearly every play. He didn't make many tackles, but definitely was commanding their full attention.

On offense, he lined up at TE, mostly run blocking (Mooney doesn't pass much). He did have 1 catch and run, early in the game, and showed some pretty good wheels. I'd imagine it's quite a challenge to bring down a TE that big.

I was more impressed by his play last year, but it was such a non-competitive game, there wasn't much to go by.

[osugrad21]

BN$-Photo Gallery: Johnny Simon Vs. Covington Catholic 2008

[wadc45]

ESPN - Smaller, agile DTs among elite in 2009 class - Football Recruiting

Ohio State commit John Simon (Youngstown, Ohio/Cardinal Mooney) is a high-octane player who, like Bonds and Adams, tips the scales under 280. He is a tall, lean kid who makes up for what he lacks in bulk with effort.

[amybuckeye]

Quote:
Ohio State commit John Simon (Youngstown, Ohio/Cardinal Mooney) is a high-octane player who, like Bonds and Adams, tips the scales under 280. He is a tall, lean kid who makes up for what he lacks in bulk with effort.



Stealthy attackers = Sneaky fast

Tall and lean?

And of course Simon is a "high-octane player" which is the typical label for a white DL that gives good effort. Did the idiot that wrote this even watch Simon's film or did they make their determitation after glancing at a few of Simon pics.

[OregonBuckeye]

Ohio State commit John Simon (Youngstown, Ohio/Cardinal Mooney) is a high-octane player who, like Bonds and Adams, tips the scales under 280. He is a tall, lean kid who makes up for what he lacks in bulk with effort.

Effort and uh, freakish strength and really good quickness. I agree with amybuckeye. Comes off like they're stereotyping him.

[bucknut11]

John caught a 5 yard touchdown pass in a 59-14 win over Elyria Catholic.


Vindy.com

[Brutus1]

John and Mooney are in Warren Friday for a big show down. I'll finally get a good close-up perspective of his game.

[Brutus1]

I'm going to say he's much closer to 6'1 than he is to 6'4. His body is ripped, but at this point, I'd say he is in the 255-260 range.

[OregonBuckeye]

Originally Posted by Brutus1

I'm going to say he's much closer to 6'1 than he is to 6'4. His body is ripped, but at this point, I'd say he is in the 255-260 range.

Pretty sure he's in the 6'2-6'3" 275-280 lbs range.

[Brutus1]

6'2 would be a max, no where near 275-280. I was right next to him and suprised at how small he was, compared to the reports. His arms are as advertised, though.

[ol104]

Originally Posted by Brutus1

John and Mooney are in Warren Friday for a big show down. I'll finally get a good close-up perspective of his game.

Measurables aside, how did John play?

[BGriffBuckeye]

Originally Posted by Brutus1

6'2 would be a max, no where near 275-280. I was right next to him and suprised at how small he was, compared to the reports. His arms are as advertised, though.

Well, unless he shrunk and lost weight, the Rivals 5 Star Academy camp in Akron, OH back in march would beg to disagree...

John Simon - 2008 Akron Five-Star Academy

John measured in at 6'3" and weighed in at 274 pounds.

[Brutus1]

Well, maybe I miraculously sprouted 6 inches in the last 4 days and that's why he didn't seem that big. He must have lost weight, because no way he's 274. Of course, it's possible, during the season, that he loses weight.

I don't know who measured him, but I'd be willing to bet that they rounded him up to the nearest inch.

Don't take it as a knock on him, just an observation that he was not as big as I pictured. If he is 274, then he's very, very quick for someone that size.

[Taosman]

Some times with very lean guys it's hard to guess they're weight. Muscle weighs more than fat. You see this particularly with body builders.
Maybe he starts as a DE at OSU. And if he gains size, he drops down.