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Jeffery Simmons leaving Mississippi State early, but will play in Outback Bowl

One of the most talented defensive lineman in college football has made the expected decision on one front, but is going against the growing grain on another.

Thursday afternoon, Jeffery Simmons confirmed that he has decided to leave Mississippi State early and make himself available for the 2019 NFL Draft. The lineman also confirmed that he will be on the field when MSU closes out the 2018 season on New Year’s Day.

“I have always been a man of my word, and I always want to finish what I start,” the 6-4, 310-pound defensive tackle wrote. “Therefore, on New Year’s Day, I will wear the Maroon and White one last time with my brothers and play in the Outback Bowl in Tampa.”

The five-star 2016 signee saw a career that began under a cloud of controversy morph into one in which he was named first-team All-SEC each of the past two seasons. Simmons also earned third-team All-American honors for the 2018 season.

Most draft observers view Simmons as a likely first-round selection in the April draft.