Elijah Simmons Tennessee DT: Rising Star on Volunteers’ Defensive Line

Elijah Simmons has been a steady presence on Tennessee’s defensive line during his college career. The 6’2″ defensive tackle played in all 13 games for the Volunteers, though primarily in a reserve role. Despite limited starting opportunities, Simmons managed to record eight tackles and one tackle for loss during his time at Tennessee, demonstrating his ability to be disruptive in the trenches when given the chance.

After completing his college career, Simmons has declared for the NFL draft, looking to take his talents to the professional level. NFL scouts have noted his size and power as potential assets, though his limited production during his time with the Volunteers means he’ll likely need to impress during pre-draft workouts to climb draft boards. What makes Simmons intriguing as a prospect is his combination of size and athleticism—qualities that defensive line coaches at the next level are perpetually seeking.

Early Life and Education of Elijah Simmons

Elijah Simmons’ journey to becoming a standout defensive tackle at Tennessee has roots in his formative years in the Volunteer State. His development from a Memphis-born youngster to a promising collegiate athlete reflects his deep Tennessee connections.

Hometown Roots: Growing Up in Tennessee

Elijah Simmons was born on July 26, 2001, in Memphis, Tennessee, giving him authentic Tennessee roots from day one. At the age of eight, his family relocated to Nashville, where he would spend his formative years developing both as a person and an athlete.

The son of Eric Simmons and Stephanie Halliburton, Elijah grew up immersed in Tennessee culture and sports traditions. This native connection to the Volunteer State would later make his commitment to the University of Tennessee particularly meaningful.

Nashville’s competitive sports environment helped shape his early athletic development. Standing at 6’2″ and eventually growing to a powerful 340 pounds, Simmons possessed natural physical gifts that would serve him well in his football journey.

High School Football Career

Simmons attended Pearl-Cohn High School in Nashville, where he emerged as a force on the defensive line. His imposing size and surprising agility for a big man turned heads during his prep career.

As a recruit, Simmons earned a 3-star rating from ESPN and 247 Sports, demonstrating his potential while still having room to develop. Despite not being among the most highly-touted recruits nationally, his raw athleticism and physical tools made him an intriguing prospect.

At Pearl-Cohn, Simmons developed the fundamentals that would serve him well at the collegiate level. His high school career established him as one of Middle Tennessee’s most promising defensive line prospects, ultimately catching the attention of SEC programs including his future home with the Volunteers.

College Career: University of Tennessee

Elijah Simmons transformed from a raw talent to a formidable presence on Tennessee’s defensive line during his time with the Volunteers. His combination of size and surprising athleticism made him a unique asset in SEC trenches.

Recruitment and Commitment

Simmons arrived at Tennessee as a three-star prospect from Nashville’s Pearl-Cohn High School in 2019. His recruitment gained national attention when then-head coach Jeremy Pruitt offered him a scholarship with an unusual challenge: if Simmons could push-roll a 600-pound tire five times, he’d earn his offer.

The video of Simmons completing this feat went viral, showcasing his raw power and athleticism despite his 340-pound frame. This combination of size and mobility immediately intrigued Tennessee’s coaching staff.

What separated Simmons from other defensive tackles was his basketball background. Despite his massive size, he could dunk a basketball—a testament to his explosive lower-body strength that would later benefit him in the trenches.

Defensive Tackle Performance

Simmons developed into a reliable interior defender over his five seasons with the Volunteers. His primary role was eating space and occupying blockers, allowing linebackers and edge rushers like James Pearce Jr. to make plays.

The numbers tell the story of a consistent contributor:

Season	Games	Tackles	TFL	Sacks
Career	55	59	8.0	0.5

His production wasn’t flashy, but coaches valued his ability to control the line of scrimmage. At 6’2″ and 340 pounds, Simmons possessed uncommon quickness for his size.

During the 2023 season, he formed a formidable interior tandem that helped Tennessee rank among the SEC’s better run defenses. His presence often required double teams, creating opportunities for teammates.

Academic Achievements

Off the field, Simmons maintained solid academic standing throughout his Tennessee career. He made consistent progress toward his degree in Recreation and Sport Management while balancing the demands of SEC football.

The Nashville native appeared on the SEC Academic Honor Roll, demonstrating his commitment to excellence beyond football. Coaches frequently praised his growth as a student-athlete and his maturity in managing both academic and athletic responsibilities.

Simmons participated in various community service initiatives with the team, including youth football camps and hospital visits. These experiences helped develop his leadership skills and reinforced the program’s emphasis on complete student-athlete development.

His academic discipline mirrored his on-field improvement—steady, consistent progress that reflected well on both himself and the Tennessee program.

Professional Prospects

Elijah Simmons has positioned himself as an intriguing NFL prospect following his tenure at Tennessee. His rare combination of size and surprising athleticism has caught the eye of scouts, though questions remain about his overall production and consistency.

NCAA Statistics and Highlights

Simmons’ collegiate career with the Volunteers was marked by steady improvement rather than flashy statistics. Over his Tennessee career, he accumulated 59 total tackles, including 8 tackles for loss and 0.5 sacks. He appeared in 55 games while starting 8 contests for the Volunteers.

His development from a 3-star high school recruit to a legitimate NFL prospect demonstrates his growth trajectory. Simmons showed flashes of dominance in key SEC matchups, where his ability to occupy multiple blockers freed up teammates to make plays.

Season	Games	Tackles	TFL	Sacks	PBU
Career	55	59	8	0.5	3

Strengths and Areas for Improvement

Simmons’ most notable strength is his rare combination of size and surprising mobility. At the NFL Combine, he turned heads with his 5.37-second 40-yard dash, an impressive mark for a defensive tackle of his dimensions.

His ability to anchor against double teams makes him an attractive option for teams looking to shore up their run defense. Simmons shows good hand usage and leverage when engaged with offensive linemen.

Areas for improvement include his pass rush repertoire, which remains somewhat limited. He’ll need to develop more consistent techniques to pressure quarterbacks at the next level. His conditioning and snap count sustainability have also been questioned by some scouts.

Draft Predictions and Scouting Reports

Most draft analysts currently project Simmons as a mid-to-late round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. His combine performance likely boosted his stock, with teams recognizing his unique physical traits.

Teams running 3-4 defensive schemes may view him as a potential nose tackle candidate due to his ability to occupy space and command double teams. Several scouts have noted his untapped potential, suggesting that the right coaching staff could help him develop into a more disruptive force.

His pro day workout results provided teams with additional athletic measurements that reinforced his unusual mobility for his size. Teams like Seattle and Baltimore have shown particular interest due to their defensive philosophies valuing stout interior defenders.

Elijah Simmons’ Impact on the Team

Elijah Simmons carved out a significant role on Tennessee’s defensive line during his career, contributing both on and off the field in meaningful ways.

Leadership and Team Dynamics

Simmons emerged as a key figure in Tennessee’s defensive line room, where his presence was felt beyond just his physical stature. The 6-foot-2, 340-pound defensive tackle brought a unique energy to the Volunteers’ defense.

His teammates often pointed to Simmons’ ability to maintain morale during challenging stretches. Despite battling injuries, including missing the first four games of the 2023 season, he remained engaged with the squad.

What stood out most was Simmons’ commitment to the program’s culture. He consistently credited the “great culture” at Tennessee for the defensive line’s success during his tenure.

Community Involvement

Beyond his on-field contributions, Simmons established himself as a community favorite in Knoxville. His engaging personality and genuine approach to fan interactions made him a beloved figure around campus.

Simmons participated in numerous youth football camps throughout eastern Tennessee, where his imposing frame but gentle demeanor made him particularly popular with young Volunteers fans.

His community service extended to local food drives and hospital visits, where teammates noted his natural ability to connect with people from all backgrounds.

Simmons’ Draft Potential

Metric	Value
NFL Combine Status	Participant (2025)
Draft Projection	Late Day 3/UDFA
Career Tackles	59
Tackles for Loss	8
Sacks	0.5

Scouts have noted his impressive movement skills at the combine despite his size, potentially improving his draft outlook.

Media Coverage and Public Perception

Elijah Simmons has caught significant attention from sports media and fans alike, both for his imposing physical presence and unique personality. His journey with the Tennessee Volunteers has been documented across various platforms.

Press Interviews and Profiles

Tennessee’s mammoth defensive tackle has become a media darling in Knoxville. Teammates and coaches have described Simmons as a “beast.” Writers consistently highlight how his impact extends beyond the stat sheet.

His presence in the middle has become legendary despite modest statistical production. Through his first four games of the season, Simmons recorded just four tackles, yet analysts frequently noted his disruptive influence.

Several profiles have focused on Simmons’ development path, with writers noting he’s considered one of the most talented players on the Vols’ roster. At 6-foot-2 and 340 pounds, his rare combination of size and athleticism has become a favorite topic among SEC analysts.

Social Media Presence

Simmons truly broke through to national consciousness during the 2025 NFL Combine, where he went viral for both his performance and personality. His authentic approach to social media has endeared him to fans beyond just the Tennessee faithful.

On Twitter and Instagram, Simmons offers glimpses into his training regimen and everyday life, accumulating a substantial following. His genuine interactions with fans have created a surprisingly robust online community.

Draft analysts have taken notice of his social footprint, with several mentioning his charisma as a potential asset at the next level. This combination of on-field ability and off-field magnetism has positioned Simmons for substantial draft consideration.

His early dream of playing for the New England Patriots has been documented since his high school days, creating an interesting narrative as the draft approaches.

Future Aspirations and Expectations

As Elijah Simmons looks ahead, his journey from Tennessee to potential NFL stardom has been marked by consistent improvement and dedication. His unique blend of size and surprising athleticism has positioned him well for the next chapter of his football career.

Potential NFL Career

After appearing in more than 50 games at Tennessee, Simmons is now focused on making his mark in the NFL. His performance at the 2025 NFL Combine turned heads, particularly fulfilling a prediction made years ago by NFL star JJ Watt.

Draft analysts currently project Simmons as a mid-to-late round selection, with his stock possibly rising after impressive showings at both the Combine and Tennessee’s Pro Day.

His NFL potential stems from his remarkable combination of size and agility. Teams looking for a space-eating defensive tackle with surprising quickness will find Simmons appealing.

NFL Draft Projection:

Metric	Rating
Draft Range	Rounds 5-7
Strength Rating	8.5/10
Athleticism	7.8/10
NFL Readiness	7.2/10

Personal Goals Outside of Football

Beyond the gridiron, Simmons has expressed interest in leveraging his college education and football platform for community impact. He’s spoken about wanting to work with youth in underserved communities, drawing from his own experiences.

Education remains important to Simmons, who made the most of his six years at Tennessee. After completing his degree, he’s mentioned potential interest in sports management or business opportunities after his playing days.

Simmons has already shown leadership qualities during his 55 career appearances with the Volunteers. These traits could translate well to coaching or mentorship roles in the future.

His charismatic personality and communication skills have also sparked speculation about potential media opportunities when his playing career concludes.