Texas Football’s true freshman EDGE, Colin Simmons, has been named the 2024 winner of the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award, as announced by the Maxwell Football Club on Thursday. This marks the first time a Texas player has received this award in its seven-year history.
“We are thrilled to welcome Colin as our 7th Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Year Award winner,” said Alexander. “This was the closest race in the award’s history, and we know we have chosen a great winner. Colin embodies the qualities of the Shaun Alexander FPOY award – exceptional talent, character, and a great ambassador for the University of Texas. We believe he is a future NFL superstar.”
Simmons shared his excitement, saying, “I was so thrilled when I found out. I couldn’t even let Mr. Alexander finish his words before I had to show my mom who was calling. This honor means so much to me, and I am incredibly grateful. I want to thank my teammates and coaches for helping me reach this point and allowing me to grow both on and off the field. This award is for them too. I also want to thank Shaun Alexander for the opportunity and my family and God for their support.”
Simmons recalled the moment he received the news, “I had just arrived at my aunt’s house for Christmas Day when Mr. Alexander called and said, ‘You know what it means when I call you on Christmas Day.’ I was curious, and then he told me I won. We had spoken before, and it means a lot that he takes the time to get to know us beyond the uniform. This motivates me even more to keep improving every day.”
The Dallas native was also named to the SEC’s All-Freshman Team on Dec. 12.
In his first season at Texas, Simmons has been a standout on the defense. The Longhorns boast one of the nation’s top defenses in 2024, leading the FBS in turnovers gained (29) and passes intercepted (20). Texas also ranks second in the FBS in scoring defense (13.3 ppg), team passing efficiency defense (100.38), and passing yards allowed (156.9). The Longhorns are third in total defense (261.1 ypg), fifth in third-down conversion percentage defense (30.2%), sixth in red zone defense (71%), and 10th in rushing defense (104.2 ypg). Texas shut out opponents in the first half in three of the last four games to close the regular season, all against conference opponents. The Longhorns allowed just four passing touchdowns during the regular season, tying with Ohio State for the fewest in the FBS.
