While transfer quarterback Michael O’Connor gained a lot of notoriety when he arrived at Baylor, the Red Raiders also added senior fullback/linebacker Jaylen Simmons, and he already has added a strong presence in the middle of the defense.
“He’s a good athlete. We did not know how good he was until he arrived,” Baylor coach Phil Massey said. “He’ll be a pretty good player for us, and he’s a great character kid.”
The 5-foot-11, 225-pound Simmons previously played at Happy Valley High in Johnson City. As a Beta Club member, he was looking for an stiffer academic challenge, according to Massey.
Pioneers lose three
East Ridge reportedly lost three starters in its 14-10 loss to Walker Valley.
Running back Torrey Hughes, who ran 11 times for 122 yards, has severely bruised ribs and is expected to miss at least two weeks. Defensive back Tre Toran suffered a broken wrist (in two places) and had surgery Saturday morning. Tight end Brandon Cantrell will miss the Pioneers’ game at Boyd-Buchanan Friday due to a concussion.