Know this: Simmons earned his chance with the Jets

Compared to Jack Simmons, a lot of us don't know jack.

For you don't graduate college in 31/2 years and work on a master's degree, all while playing Big Ten football and preparing for the possibility of lining up on Sundays, without being smart.

So if Jack Simmons gets a face-to-face meeting with his new head coach, new New York Jets boss Rex Ryan, he says he definitely will mention where he played his high school ball.

Like Ryan, Simmons is a Lake County product. Ryan, the son of former Bears defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan, played ball for Stevenson nearly 30 years ago. Simmons graduated from Carmel Catholic in 2004.

"All connections help," Simmons said.

A three-year starting tight end at the University of Minnesota, Simmons has done OK on his own when it comes to football, although he credits his agent, Ken Sarnoff, for helping him secure a tryout with the Jets after not being selected in the recent NFL Draft. After weighing opportunities to try out for the Bears and Browns, Simmons chose the Jets, whose only tight end is Dustin Keller.

"We felt there was a good opportunity with New York to make the team and get a contract with them," Simmons said. "My agent did a great job of finding a place for me."

Simmons took full advantage of his opportunity. An unsigned tryout player, he inked a three-year contract after impressing Ryan during mini camp. Ryan gave Simmons repeated praise for his hands and blocking technique, even though players were not in pads.

Simmons was on the receiving end of spirals thrown by Southern Cal product Mark Sanchez, the fifth overall selection in the draft.

"He's as talented as they come," Simmons said. "So it's exciting."

Simmons' goal now is keeping catching Sanchez's passes, as well as Ryan's eye, and earn a spot on the Jets' 53-man roster. Simmons has not yet met Ryan and says he can't image that Ryan is aware that their high school alma maters are only a few miles apart.

Simmons, a Libertyville resident, is back home until he returns to New Jersey this month to participate in the Jets' OTAs.

In the meantime, the 6-foot-4, 250-pounder works out at EFT Sports Performance in Highland Park.

"They really helped me get ready," Simmons said. "There are a lot of pro guys who come in. I'd say there are probably 8-9 rookies. It's fun because we get to lean on the vets and talk to them."

Simmons earned his undergraduate degree in marketing a year and a half ago and just recently completed his masters.

He wrapped up his collegiate football career last fall, catching 34 passes for 331 yards and 2 touchdowns, and earning second team all-Big Ten accolades. He had 73 career receptions.

A thrill for Simmons his senior season was getting to wear jersey No. 15, the same number his dad, Terry, wore when he played at Minnesota.

All Jack wants now is the chance to wear any number the Jets give him.

"It's an exciting time," he said.

We all know that.