Michigan State DT Derrick Simmons looking to make an impact in year two
In his second year at Michigan State, and now under a mostly new coaching staff, Simmons looks to ascend as a redshirt freshman.
Michigan State redshirt freshman defensive tackle Derrick Simmons chose to stay with the Spartans despite a coaching staff change. Now, he has a chance in his second year to carve out a significant role in the defensive trenches in 2026.
Simmons originally signed with MSU under head coach Jonathan Smith and defensive line coach Legi Suiaunoa as a four-star defensive linemen in the 2025 class. However, following Smith's firing, Simmons is now being mentored under head coach Pat Fitzgerald and defensive line coach Winston DeLattiboudere III ("Coach DeBo"). He does have the benefit of some continuity with the defensive system, though, as Fitzgerald retained defensive coordinator Joe Rossi.
While Simmons built a strong bond with Suiaunoa last year, and it is never easy to go through a coaching transition, Simmons is grateful for the short time he has spent with DeLattiboudere thus far. He is a coach that Simmons believes will develop him as a player and a person, and Simmons is looking forward to continuing to learn from DeLattiboudere.
Another important person in Simmons' decision to stay in East Lansing is fellow defensive tackle Ben Roberts, who is affectionally known as "Big Worm." With Roberts — a veteran redshirt senior in the room whom Simmons trusts and respects — opting to stay with the Spartans, it made things easier for Simmons to do the same.
"Obviously, it's unfortunate — I really enjoyed my coach last year (Suiaunoa), but I'm also very fortunate for 'DeBo,'" Simmons said about DeLattiboudere and his decision to stay at MSU. "I was tight with 'Worm' (Roberts), and 'Worm' staying, it left an impact on me, because if he's able to trust this man, 'Debo,' with his final year of eligibility and whatnot, I also felt that I could also put my trust in 'DeBo.' After talking to him and seeing his experience and whatnot, I 100 percent believe it was the right decision. Just the way (DeLattiboudere) coaches, he's definitely developed me even more than just last year ... well he's just continued my development, and I think it's was definitely the right decision."
When discussing Roberts' influence further, Simmons noted that the fifth-year senior defensive lineman is a natural leader with a strong personality, and that Roberts is somebody that he can count on.
"I think it was just his personality, like he's a very big personality if you ever get to meet him — stubborn guy, but (in) just the right ways," Simmons said about Roberts. "He's always there for you. If anything ever happens to you, he'll be the guy right behind you to back you up, to get you right. And he's also just uplifting. He always brings energy during practice, so I think he's just like a great guy to follow."
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