Shayne

Simon

Simon (6'3/232) has not seen much playing time with the Irish and did not play at all this season. The former four-star recruit will move over to the Panthers to hopefully get more playing time.

Simon (6'3/232) entering the transfer portal wont affect Notre Dame’s plans for the Fiesta Bowl, as Simon was already ruled out for the season after undergoing knee surgery in November. He plans to remain on campus throughout the team’s bowl game, but the former four-star recruit from the 2018 class could be a coveted player in the portal this offseason. In 2021, Simon totaled nine tackles and 1.5 tackles for a loss, and has 26 career tackles and three tackles for a loss since 2018.

Simon (6'3/232) dislocated his kneecap during the win, and he will have to undergo surgery on the patellar tendon on Tuesday. While HC Brian Kelly did not offer a timetable, it’s safe to assume that the sophomore linebacker will miss the remainder of the season. Simon has accounted for nine total tackles (1.5 for loss) and one quarterback hurry this season.

According to HC Brian Kelly (Simon (6'3/232) dislocated the kneecap Saturday, with it being put back into place on the field. How severe the injury is with regards to structural damage won’t be known until after the MRI is completed. The sophomore linebacker, who has appeared in each of Notre Dame’s ten games this season, has accounted for nine total tackles (1.5 for loss) and one quarterback hurry this season. Notre Dame hosts Boston College in its home finale next weekend.

Simon (6'3/232) had a large brace on his right knee as he walked off the Notre Dame Stadium turf following the 52-20 victory. Prior to Saturday the sophomore appeared in nine games this season, tallying nine total tackles and one quarterback hurry.

Friedman calls the 6-foot-2, 195-pounder a “physical presence off the line of scrimmage,” adding that “he has a ton of room to fill out his frame but [it is] his ability to cover in space [that] makes him so valuable.” Rivals ranks the Jersey City, New Jersey, native as its No. 127 overall prospect in the 2018 cycle.

“Penn State might have a bit of momentum but Notre Dame has a constant recruiting presence,” writes Rivals’ Adam Friedman, who adds that “Michigan is doing a good job with Simon as well and it will be important for the Wolverines to get him back on campus again.” The 6-foot-2, 195-pounder ranks as Rivals’ No. 138 prospect for the 2018 cycle. He is adept at covering in space and has room in his frame to fill out over the next few years without losing any of his athletic hops.

Simon (6'2/195) was also considering Penn State and Michigan for his pledge. The Nittany Lions had a little momentum going as the summer progressed, but Notre Dame kept at it and ultimately landed the prize. Simon, who ranks as the No. 6 outside linebacker in the 2018 class on the 247Sports composite. Outlet analyst Steve Wiltfong writes that he “has the full tool bag and will bring a ton of versatility to ND’s defense.” Wiltfong goes so far as to say that his position versatility is reminiscent of that of former Irish star Jaylon Smith.