Simon hopes to make an immediate impact at ISU

By Chris Williams, CycloneFanatic.com Publisher

Depth.

The latest signee in Iowa State’s recruiting class of 2011, Grossmont (Calif.) College defensive lineman Henry Simon, will provide more of it in Ames for the next two seasons. That’s the goal at least.

His offer list won’t blow you away but Simon, a 6-foot-3, 302-pound defensive believes he will make an immediate impact at Iowa State.

“I think that I am ready,” Simon told CycloneFanatic.com on Monday night. “Coach (Paul) Rhoads wants me to come in and play heavily on the defensive line. He really likes what I can do. I have a good chance of playing and maybe starting.”

Simon, a Chula Vista, Calif. native, signed with San Diego State out of high school. As a true freshman, Simon played in five games for the Aztecs while recording four tackles.

“I played against top teams like BYU, TCU and Utah,” Simon said. “I played against some really good offensive linemen. I am ready.”

Iowa State’s recruiting coordinator and secondary coach Bob Elliott (pictured above) was instrumental in getting Simon to Ames. He was also Simon’s lead recruiter back in 2008, when Elliott was working under Chuck Long at San Diego State.

According to Simon, Iowa State’s recruitment of him began last spring.

“He (Elliott) knew that I was back in football so he came out and started recruiting me,” Simon said.” “They brought me in for an official visit, offered me and here we are. I really liked the school. I really liked that place. It is a good choice for me.”

Simon did not have any other division one scholarship offers. Simon plans on arriving in Ames this August, where he says he’ll be ready for camp.

“It makes me want to work out harder to play in the Big 12. I want to make a good impression on the coaches, the players and other schools in the Big 12,” Simon said. “I think that I need to work on my motor. I can’t take plays off. My strengths are my hands and that I am strong.”

Simon recorded eight tackles for a lost and 5 ½ sacks as a sophomore at Grossmont.

“I wanted Henry at Iowa State because he is a good fit for our program,” Iowa State head coach Paul Rhoads said in a statement. “Specifically, I was impressed with his character, which will make him a good teammate.”