Throughout spring football practice, ODUSports.com will do a Q&A with a member of the ODU Football team. Today's Q&A is with sophomore running back, Brandon Simmons.
Q: How long have you been playing football?A: I have been playing football since the age of five; organized football. I have small videos with me having the ball in my hand since the age of two; I would say pretty much, all of my life.
Q: What or who got you started in playing?A: My father got me started playing football. When I was younger, my brother and I played Pop Warner on the Virginia Beach Mustangs. Because of my father and admiring my brother playing the sport, I became interested in football.
Q: I know today is the second day of spring practice, how does it feel to get back on the field?A: It feels great to be back on the field. After last season, I feel stronger, faster, quicker and better on my feet. I am just ready for the season!
Q: What positions do you play besides running back?A: This year, I will probably be involved with special teams even though I will be playing more at my running back position.
Q: Do you ever like to go back to your old team and help the coaches/give pointer to the students that hope to follow in your footsteps?A: Of course. If you can go back and give to your roots and contribute a portion of what they provided for you, that is special. I go back to Ocean Lakes high school all the time to watch their practices along with motivating the players to be better and share my experiences with college football.
Q: You and Josh Mann went to the same high school. Did you ever get to play together while he was there?A: I only played with Josh Mann during practices due to me being a freshman and him being a senior;at the time I did not have the opportunity to play on the varsity team with him.
Q: Why did you choose ODU?A: I chose Old Dominion because it’s close to home and it’s a Division 1 team that has been upgraded.
Q: How do the coaches develop a family like atmosphere within the team?A: How the coaches develop a family like atmosphere within the team is by pushing us and keeping everyone together. Coach Wilder always tells us to make sure we look after each other, making good decisions, and good presentation. A lot of the older guys are harder on us younger guys so, that it is more like a family.
Q: What is the best advice an upper classmen gave you?A: The best advice has been making every day count. Whether it’s practice in the weight room or the classroom, always do your best.
Q: What is you favorite video game to play with your teammates?A: Madden, NCAA football games.
Q: If you could have a super power, what would you chose and why?A: If I could have a super power, I would say speed. Speed kills… in everything you do, speed kills.
Q: If you could do one thing without fear of failing, what would you do and why?A: Pretty much anything. Along as you give your best in what you do, you can’t fail. Even if you do not get what you want, you still win.
Q: What celebrity would you like to meet if you had the chance?A: If I had the chance to meet a celebrity, I would like to meet Floyd Mayweather. He may be cocky, but he is a great businessman and he trains the hardest. That is why he is great at what he does.
Q: What is like for you to play so close to home? Does all of your family come to the games?A: I like playing close to home because it is close to Virginia Beach. A lot of my fans in Virginia Beach and Ocean Lakes come to my games to support me along with my family at every game.
Q: Where in Hampton Roads do you like to go to relax and hang out with friends?A: Usually in my spare time, I don’t really go out. If I am with my friends, we are training on the field.
Q: What is your favorite food?A: I have a lot, but I would say mac n cheese.
Q: Who would you compare your athletic abilities to in the NFL?A: I would compare myself to Maurice Jones Drew. He is a short player and is not the strongest, but he has a lot of heart.
Q: Who is you favorite NFL team?A: My favorite team is the Arizona Cardinals. One reason is because I was born in Arizona. My favorite player is Larry Fitzgerald because of his performance and the way he gets down the field; he inspires me to be better.