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Michigan State linebacker Antjuan Simmons declares for the 2021 NFL Draft

December 19, 2020
<p>Senior linebacker Antjuan Simmons at practice Sept. 21, 2020. Photo courtesy of Michigan State Athletic Communications.</p>

Senior linebacker Antjuan Simmons at practice Sept. 21, 2020. Photo courtesy of Michigan State Athletic Communications.

Michigan State linebacker Antjuan Simmons will be forgoing his extra year of eligibility to enter the 2021 NFL Draft.

“I’d like to announce that I will not use the extra year if eligibility and enter my name into the 2021 NFL Draft,” Simmons said in a Twitter post. “This has been one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make due to the love I have for Michigan State. Michigan State has taught me so many lessons that have contributed to the growth of me as an individual/human. I’ve also made memories that will stick with me for the rest of my life.”

Simmons could have returned for one more season even though he is a senior due to the NCAA giving each athlete an extra year of eligibility this year due to COVID-19.

In his final season with the Spartans, Simmons earned All-Big Ten second team honors from the media and All-Big Ten third team honors from the coaches. In seven games, Simmons racked up 75 total tackles, 28 solo tackles, two fumble recoveries and one sack.

“I would like to thank Coach (Mel) Tucker for being there for me throughout everything this past year,” Simmons said. “I also would like to thank him for believing in me as a leader and football player as well. I’d also like to thank Coach (Mark) Dantonio for recruiting me and believing in me. Coach Dantonio always told me I could accomplish big things if I worked for it and remained who I am.”

Simmons was the de facto leader of the team this season, even leading Michigan State Head Coach Mel Tucker’s intro press conference last February. 

Simmons joins Naquan Jones and Shakur Brown as the only Spartans to declare for the 2021 NFL Draft.

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