Cody

Simon

Simon left in the first quarter, was initially questionable, and then was later ruled out. Owen Pappoe took over at linebacker. This injury could possibly end Simon’s season.

Simon collided with teammate Joey Blount while defending a kickoff return against the Saints towards the end of the first half in Week 1. Both Simon and Blount walked off the field and headed to the locker room after the play. Per the broadcast, both players were diagnosed with concussions and ruled out for the game.

Simon (6’2/229) followed in the footsteps of his older brother Shayne who was also a linebacker for Notre Dame and Pitt. He was used in a part-time rotational role for his first four years on campus due to OSU’s well stocked depth chart. A team captain in DC Jim Knowles’ stalwart defense last year, Simon paced the Buckeyes with 112 tackles while adding 12.5 TFLs and seven sacks while chipping in 45 stops and 20 pressures for a masterful 87.7 defensive grade that ranked 3rd overall among Power Four linebackers. The Third Team All-B10 performer was at his best during OSU’s playoff, being named Defensive MVP of both the Rose Bowl and National Championship when he recorded a team-leading eight tackles. His 8.35 RAS shows adequate athleticism with a dense, muscular frame that allows him to snuff out ball carriers between the tackles, but he isn’t cut out for covering lengthy tight ends or sideline-to-sideline pursuit. Simon is at his best flowing to the ball in run support where he rarely misdiagnoses run fits. While he lacks the prototypical size for a thumper and struggles to shed blocks when engaged, Simon has sound fundamentals and should be able to assist on special teams while he learns the ropes.

Simon (6'1/218) held offers from numerous high-end Power 5 schools -- Penn State and Nebraska were highly considered -- after showing elite athleticism this offseason. The four-star recorded a 39-inch vertical jump and 4.62-second 40-yard dash at an official regional combine in the 2019 offseason. Ohio State depth charts are hard to climb, but Simon has starting potential.