Prized transfer portal pickup for Oklahoma Sooners a major standout in fall camp and might have already locked up a starting job

From FCS to SEC, Derek Simmons aiming to boost draft stock

FCS transfer offensive tackle Derek Simmons arrived in Norman from Western Carolina, where he was a fixture for the Catamounts for 2023 and 2024. Simmons played three different positions for Western Carolina last season, bouncing from left tackle to right guard and right tackle, but settled in primarily at left tackle. Simmons didn’t allow a single sack across 417 pass-blocking snaps in 2024, according to PFF.

This year for the Sooners, however, Simmons is set to start and lock down the right tackle spot, which was a major issue for Oklahoma last season. So far in fall camp, Simmons has been a full-time starter with the ones, and it seems like the gap between him and the second-string unit is immense.

Linebacker Kobie McKinzie complimented Simmons recently, comparing him to other former Sooner greats.

"Derek is really, really good. Probably one of the best tackles that I’ve seen since I’ve been here, and I’ve seen a lot. Wanya [Morris], Anton — he’s up there. He’s really, really good. We got some pieces to be better there [on the offensive line], and they’ve shown that. They’ve given us some fits on defense.”

While comparing Simmons to a first-rounder and top-100 pick might be a tad too early, it speaks volumes about his abilities he has put on display so far throughout camp. On film, Simmons looks the part of an elite athlete, with his only real physical limitation being a lack of length (verified under 33" arms).

If he can hold down the right tackle position for the Sooners, it solves a significant area of weakness from last season. So far, Simmons has delivered on the hype-and then some.