Cody Simon Ohio State LB Shows Impressive Growth in Spring Practice
In spring practice, Cody Simon has shown impressive growth. He has transformed into one of the cornerstone defenders for the Ohio State Buckeyes. The team captain brings a rare combination of football IQ and athletic ability to the linebacker position, making him a player worth watching every Saturday in Columbus.
NFL scouts have taken notice of Simon’s consistent production and leadership qualities on one of college football’s most talented defenses. Coming out of high school as the 9th-ranked outside linebacker nationally, Simon has lived up to his billing. Now, he projects as a potential day two selection in the upcoming NFL draft.
The 6-1 linebacker from Jersey City, NJ has been preparing for the 2025 CFP National Championship. His combination of sideline-to-sideline speed, coverage skills, and instinctive play recognition makes him one of the most complete linebacker prospects in college football today.
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Collegiate Career Overview
Cody Simon has become a cornerstone of Ohio State’s defensive unit, developing from a special teams contributor to a respected linebacker for the Buckeyes. The 6-foot-2, 235-pound linebacker from Jersey City, New Jersey, has shown remarkable development throughout his time in Columbus.
Simon’s Ohio State journey spans five seasons, during which he has appeared in 44 games while starting 15. His progression from special teams duty as a freshman to defensive signal-caller demonstrates his growth within the program.
The St. Peter’s Prep product has been a reliable presence in the middle of the Buckeyes’ defense, showcasing versatility and football intelligence. His understanding of defensive schemes has made him a valuable asset in the Big Ten, one of college football’s most physically demanding conferences.
His development has coincided with Ohio State’s consistent defensive dominance, helping the program maintain its status as a perennial national championship contender.
| Season | Games Played | Starts | Tackles | TFL | Sacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 7 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 12 | 10 | 54 | 2.5 | 1 |
| 2022 | 13 | 0 | 32 | 2 | 0 |
| 2023 | 12 | 5 | 45 | 3.5 | 0.5 |
Simon’s draft stock has steadily climbed, with scouts noting his excellent football IQ and sideline-to-sideline range. Currently projected as a mid-round selection, his experience in a premier program gives him valuable NFL-ready traits.
As a graduate student in 2024, Simon brings leadership and stability to a Buckeyes defense with championship aspirations. His performance in the upcoming season will be crucial as Ohio State pursues both Big Ten and national championships.
Player Profile and Statistics
Cody Simon has established himself as a key defender for the Ohio State Buckeyes. The 6’2″, 235-pound linebacker from Jersey City, New Jersey has shown consistent improvement throughout his collegiate career, developing into a reliable presence in the middle of the Buckeyes defense.
Performance Metrics
Simon’s statistical output has steadily increased during his time at Ohio State. After seeing limited action as a freshman, he emerged as a significant contributor in his sophomore and junior seasons before taking on an even larger role as a senior.
In his most recent complete season, Simon recorded 57 total tackles, including 4.5 tackles for loss and 2 sacks. His ability to diagnose plays has been particularly noteworthy, as evidenced by his increased production each year.
Simon’s career statistics reflect his development:
| Season | Games | Total Tackles | Solo | Assists | TFLs | Sacks | PBUs | FF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 11 | 32 | 18 | 14 | 2.0 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 13 | 32 | 19 | 13 | 2.0 | 0.5 | 2 | 0 |
| 2023 | 13 | 57 | 28 | 29 | 4.5 | 2.0 | 1 | 1 |
What separates Simon from other linebackers is his exceptional football IQ and sideline-to-sideline pursuit ability.
Game Log Analysis
Simon’s game-by-game performance reveals a player who steps up in big moments. Against Penn State last season, he recorded a career-high 10 tackles, showing his ability to perform against top competition.
His consistency stands out when examining his game logs. Simon recorded at least four tackles in 11 of 13 games last season, demonstrating his reliability as an every-down linebacker.
Big Ten conference games brought out Simon’s best. He averaged 5.2 tackles per game in conference play, slightly above his season average.
Perhaps most impressive was Simon’s performance in Ohio State’s College Football Playoff appearance, where he registered 7 tackles and a crucial quarterback hurry that forced an errant throw.
His game log shows steady improvement throughout the season, with his tackle production increasing in the second half of the campaign as he became more comfortable in the defensive scheme.
Pro Football Focus Evaluations
Pro Football Focus has consistently given Simon solid grades for his all-around performance. His coverage skills earned a 73.4 grade last season, placing him among the better coverage linebackers in the Big Ten.
Simon’s run defense grade of 68.2 reflects his discipline in maintaining gap assignments and ability to shed blocks. Where he truly excels is in pursuit angles, rarely taking false steps when tracking ball carriers.
PFF credited Simon with 28 defensive stops last season – defined as tackles that constitute a failure for the offense. This metric highlights his impact beyond basic tackle numbers.
NFL scouts have taken notice of Simon’s development. He projects as a mid-round selection with the potential to rise with a strong combine performance. His combination of football intelligence, positional versatility, and leadership qualities make him an attractive prospect for teams looking for linebacker depth.
Simon’s PFF tackling grade of 76.1 shows his reliability as a finisher, missing just 4 tackles on 61 attempts last season.
Strengths and Skills
Cody Simon has developed into a standout linebacker for Ohio State, combining athleticism with football intelligence. His physical tools and instincts make him one of the top linebacker prospects in college football heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, where he’s ranked #12 at his position with an impressive 83.0 rating.
Tackling and Rush Defense
Simon’s tackling prowess stands out immediately when watching Ohio State’s defense. The 6-2 linebacker accumulated 112 total tackles in his most recent season, demonstrating remarkable consistency in bringing down ball carriers.
What separates Simon from other linebackers is his ability to diagnose plays quickly and take efficient angles to the ball. His film shows minimal wasted movement, which explains how he racked up 13 tackles for loss and 7 sacks last season.
Simon’s 4.59 forty time translates directly to the field, allowing him to chase down runners from sideline to sideline. This lateral quickness combined with his strength at the point of attack makes him particularly effective against outside runs.
When it comes to taking on blockers, Simon displays good hand technique to disengage and find the ball carrier. His instincts for timing blitzes have made him a disruptive force in opponents’ backfields throughout his Buckeye career.
Pass Coverage
In today’s pass-heavy game, Simon’s coverage skills significantly boost his NFL draft stock. He demonstrates fluid hip movement when dropping into zones, allowing him to cover significant ground in the middle of the field.
Simon reads quarterbacks’ eyes effectively, helping him jump routes and create turnover opportunities. While not asked to man-cover elite tight ends regularly, he’s shown competence when matched up against backs and tight ends in space.
His athletic profile (4.59 forty) gives him the speed necessary to carry receivers across the middle and stay with running backs out of the backfield. This versatility makes him valuable in multiple defensive packages.
What impresses scouts most is Simon’s football IQ in coverage situations. He recognizes route combinations quickly and communicates adjustments to teammates, preventing easy completions in his zones.
Leadership Qualities
As Ohio State’s most experienced linebacker, Simon has embraced his leadership role. He’s been described as the quarterback of the defense, making pre-snap adjustments and ensuring teammates are properly aligned.
Coaches rave about his film study habits and how he translates classroom work to on-field performance. Simon’s consistency in practice sets the standard for younger players in the program.
His selection as a team captain speaks volumes about how he’s viewed by peers and coaches alike. Simon leads both vocally and by example, holding himself and teammates accountable to the Buckeyes’ championship standard.
| Statistical Category | 2024 Season Total | Career Total |
|---|---|---|
| Tackles | 112 | 245 |
| Tackles for Loss | 13 | 24 |
| Sacks | 7 | 10 |
| Passes Broken Up | 6 | 11 |
Simon’s leadership helped guide Ohio State to a national championship, with his experience likely to translate well to NFL defensive systems. Teams valuing high-character players with production to match will have Simon high on their draft boards.
Off-Field Contributions
Cody Simon’s impact extends well beyond his impressive tackles and leadership on the field. The Ohio State captain has established himself as a force for positive change, balancing his athletic responsibilities with meaningful engagement in both the broader community and university life.
Community Involvement
Simon has made significant contributions to various charitable initiatives during his time in Columbus. The Jersey City, NJ native regularly participates in the Buckeyes’ annual visits to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, bringing smiles to young patients facing difficult health challenges.
His volunteerism extends to food drives organized by the team, where he helps collect and distribute resources to underserved communities in the Columbus area. During holidays, Simon has been spotted delivering meals to families in need.
“It’s not just about football,” Simon explained during a team media day. “Coach Day emphasizes that we represent something bigger than ourselves.”
Simon also established a mentorship program connecting Ohio State athletes with local high school students, focusing particularly on academic achievement and character development. This initiative has grown to include over 15 Buckeye athletes who volunteer their time.
University Engagement
Simon serves as a team captain and student ambassador for the athletic department at Ohio State’s campus community. He regularly represents the football program at university events and has spoken to incoming freshmen about balancing academics and athletics.
The linebacker maintains a strong academic record while pursuing his degree. He earned Academic All-Big Ten honors during his Ohio State career. His classroom success mirrors his dedication on the field.
Simon actively participates in Ohio State’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. He advocates for athlete welfare and helps shape university policies that affect student-athletes. His leadership in this role has earned praise from athletic department administrators.
| Simon’s Off-Field Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| Community Service Hours | 75+ hours annually |
| Academic Standing | Academic All-Big Ten |
| Leadership Roles | Team Captain, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee |
| Mentorship Program | Founded initiative connecting 15+ athletes with local students |
His commitment to both academics and community service has positioned Simon as a complete student-athlete, embodying the values Ohio State seeks to develop in its program.
Draft Prospects and NFL Potential
Cody Simon has positioned himself as an intriguing linebacker prospect for the upcoming NFL Draft. His combination of football IQ, athleticism, and proven production at Ohio State has scouts taking notice as teams evaluate their linebacker boards.
2025 NFL Draft Analysis
Simon currently projects as a mid-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. Draft analysts have him ranked #129 overall and as the #12 linebacker prospect in this class. The 6’1″, 229-pound linebacker earned First-Team All-Big Ten honors in 2024, showcasing his development into one of the conference’s premier defenders.
His draft profile highlights impressive metrics in two critical areas for modern NFL linebackers:
| Skill Area | Rating | NFL Ready? |
|---|---|---|
| Run Defense | 95% | Yes |
| Coverage | 80% | Yes |
Most scouts project Simon as a 4th-round selection, though his stock could rise with strong pre-draft workouts. His measurables are solid but not exceptional – 31¼” arms and 9¾” hands on his 6’1″ frame.
Team Fit and Projection
The Green Bay Packers have shown particular interest in Simon, listing him at #46 in their draft countdown. This makes sense given their need for linebacker depth and Simon’s skill set. His football intelligence and three-down capabilities make him valuable in today’s NFL.
Simon’s versatility stands out – he can play run defense at an elite level while being more than capable in coverage. This dual-threat ability is increasingly important as NFL offenses continue evolving toward pass-heavy schemes.
The former four-star recruit from New Jersey recorded 54 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and 1 sack in his final season. While not eye-popping numbers, his consistent play and leadership caught scouts’ attention.
Simon projects as a special teams contributor immediately with the potential to develop into a starting linebacker by his second season.
Accolades and Achievements
Cody Simon has established himself as a pillar of consistency in the Ohio State linebacker corps. The graduate student from Jersey City, New Jersey has accumulated an impressive 154 tackles over 44 career games with the Buckeyes.
Simon’s dedication extends beyond the field. His character and leadership recently earned him a spot on the Jason Witten Man of the Year Watch List, which recognizes exemplary leadership both on and off the field.
Coming to Columbus as the 9th-ranked outside linebacker nationally from his high school class, Simon has lived up to the lofty expectations. His versatility and football IQ have made him a defensive cornerstone for the perennial Big Ten contenders.
Simon’s postseason experience is substantial, having participated in several prestigious bowl games including the 2021 Sugar Bowl, 2021 CFP National Championship, and 2022 Rose Bowl.
| Season | Games Played | Total Tackles | TFL | Sacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 44 | 154 | 11.5 | 3.0 |
NFL scouts have taken notice of Simon’s reliability and football intelligence. His experience playing in big games against elite competition makes him an intriguing prospect for teams looking for linebacker depth with championship pedigree.
Simon’s contributions to Ohio State Football’s defensive success cannot be overstated. His steady presence in the middle of the defense has helped maintain the Buckeyes’ reputation as one of college football’s elite programs.
Personal Background
Cody Simon’s journey to becoming a standout linebacker for Ohio State began in New Jersey and has been shaped by his remarkable work ethic and leadership qualities. His development from a highly-ranked prep prospect to a key defensive player for the Buckeyes highlights his dedication to the sport.
Early Years and High School
Cody Simon hails from Jersey City, New Jersey, where he established himself as an elite defensive talent. At St. Peter’s Prep, Simon emerged as one of the nation’s top linebacker prospects, earning a 9th-ranked position nationally among outside linebackers.
The Jersey product stood at 6-1, 215 pounds during his high school days, already showing the physical attributes that would serve him well at the collegiate level. Simon wasn’t just physically gifted—his football IQ and leadership qualities made him New Jersey’s 3rd-ranked overall prospect.
College recruiters took notice of Simon’s combination of size, speed, and instincts. Despite strong interest from Notre Dame and other powerhouse programs, the talented linebacker ultimately decided to take his talents to Columbus.
College Development
After arriving at Ohio State, Simon gradually developed into a defensive mainstay for the Buckeyes. The linebacker added significant muscle mass to his frame while maintaining his athleticism. Standing at 6-2 and 235 pounds, he has become a formidable presence on the field.
Simon’s college progression has been marked by increasing on-field responsibility. Now in his graduate student year, he has positioned himself as one of the veteran leaders in Ohio State’s linebacker corps.
The evolution of Simon’s game has occurred alongside talented teammates like Sonny Styles. This competitive environment has pushed him to refine his coverage skills and run-stopping abilities, making him a more complete defender.
NFL scouts have noted Simon’s football intelligence and reliable tackling. His development from a highly-touted recruit to a productive Big Ten linebacker showcases the mental fortitude that complements his physical tools.
