Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Arizona State’s Shamari Simmons Shrine Bowl performances earns NFL fans’ respect

Originally posted on Burn City Sports | By Jordyn Bennett | Last updated Jan 31, 2025 1:28 PM ET

Arizona State defensive back Shamari Simmons had the chance to prove he is one of the best players in the 2025 NFL Draft at the East-West Shrine Bowl Thursday and made the most of his opportunities.

The NFL hopeful recorded five total tackles and one pass deflection in the game on Tuesday. It was the second most tackles on the West.

Tackled by Shamari Simmons #ForksUp https://t.co/MGPTXkySld

— Nathan (@Nathan_bap) January 31, 2025

Simmons made his name known all week throughout the game’s four practice sessions, snagging interceptions and locking up defenders. The defensive back made sure to be more than just a practice hero in the Shine Bowl.

He became a game favorite on the night, making analyst and critics’ lists as a top player in the game.

A few honorable mentions:

Arizona State S Shamari Simmons
Delaware CB Tyron Herring
Ole Miss DT JJ Pegues
Texas Tech RB Tahj Brooks https://t.co/w4YzD8SYcR

— Michael Stamps (@msstamps7) January 31, 2025

My winners from the East-West Shrine Bowl game:

Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Arizona
Johnny Walker, Missouri
Cam Miller, NDSU
Tonka Hemingway, SCar
Shamari Simmons, ASU
Tyron Herring, Delaware
Kain Medrano, UCLA
Tyler Batty, BYU
Nohl Williams, Cal
Efton Chism III, Eastern Washington

— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) January 31, 2025

The defensive back isn’t your typical cover defensive back — he’s a heavy hitter.

Simmons takes big swings when delivering blows to opponents. His big hitting ability was put on full display in the Chick-fil-a Peach Bowl when he forced a fumble for a safety in the third quarter of the game. He applied the same force in the Shrine Bowl.

X user @bigblanchette1 tweeted: “Shamai Simmons wrecking dudes at the East West Shrine Bowl.”

Shamari Simmons wrecking dudes at the East West Shrine Bowl

— C H I C K E N S T E W (@bigblanchette1) January 31, 2025

Some fans even pitched for their favorite teams to take a look at the Sun Devils’ bruiser.

X user @dkitt177 tweeted: “Giants need to draft Shamari Simmons from Az. St. and Nohl Williams from Cal.”

Giants need to draft Shamari Simmons from Az St. and Nohl Williams from Cal.

— DKitt (@dkit177) January 31, 2025

Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham vouched for his former player earlier in the month on X. Simmons backed his coach’s statement up and upped his draft stock at the Shrine Bowl.

Check out more fan reactions to Simmons’ big night:

Jacory Croskey-Merritt & Shamari Simmons looking good in the Shrine Bowl so far

— Nader Sabet (@CoachMadProphet) January 31, 2025

Shamari Simmons is clearly like dat

— D (@_co12ins) January 31, 2025

Funny he’s wearing their helmet when he played in a career grand total of one (1) game for that team.

Also, who made the tackle? Of course, Shamari Simmons. https://t.co/pouwkHyIBf

— Joe Healey (@JoeHealey42) January 31, 2025