'09 OH DT John Simon (Ohio State LOI)

[Svoboda]

Defensive Tackle
Youngstown (OH) Cardinal Mooney

Ht: 6-foot-3
Wt: 249 lbs


Star Ratings
Rivals.com: ****
Scout.com: *****

Rankings & Accolades
Rivals 250 #102/ #10 Defensive Tackle
Scout 100 #24/ #6 Defensive Tackle

[Svoboda]

http://media.theinsiders.com/media/image/34/345040.jpg

http://www.mooneyfootball.com/images/HPIM2373_jpg.jpg

[Svoboda]

Since we've got so many Bucknuts, I figured I'd bump the prospect that the Irish and Buckeyes could bump heads on as Simon is apparently the #1 defensive junior prospect on both of their boards.

[Svoboda]

Oh, and here is some video courtesy of ScoutingOhio:

http://www.scoutingohio.com/John_Simon_Mooney.htm

[paddyman]

double team be damned, he is a monster.

[HereComeTheIrish]

Kid has a great motor...that's for sure!

[Svoboda]

Keep in mind those are SOPHOMORE highlights as well. That is what makes the kid so intriguing to me. How much of a bad ass is he going to be with more experience, coaching and time in the weight room?

[paddyman]

I wonder if CW and/or CB will be at his school the first day of recruiting. Seems like a big time get for being so young and all. I think if we will be competeing with OSU we will need all the time we can get.

[marv81s]

a 6'3'', 250lb sophomore

thats just not right

[NDGirlzRock]

Dude!!!! Can we say fightin' off the double team constantly to make the play. WOW!!!:eek:

[stonebreakerwasgod]

He looks like a football playa. Too bad his first photo is awful.

[NDGirlzRock]

He looks like a football playa. Too bad his first photo is awful.

Just shows he's one of them lunch pail guys.

[stonebreakerwasgod]

Nothing wrong with that. It just looks like he has to go.

[NDGirlzRock]

As Arlee would call it...."the head!"?

[napoleonbuck]

Simon will definitely be among the top three players in Ohio. Ohio could have as many as 4 five star players next year, and Simon looks to be one of them. He's one of two juniors to have an offer(verbal) from Ohio State already, along with Storm Klein from Licking Valley Ohio.

In addition to his excellent football ability, he's also one of the better power lifters in the state of Ohio. He already has a 400 pound bench, in addition to a 600 pound squat, and 300 pound clean. He's a monster by every definition of the word. It would not surprise anyone if he's the top DT in the nation next year. He's that special.

Thank the lord he grew up an Ohio State fan...:)

Ain't gonna be no brothers swaying him on this one...:D

[notredomer23]

Simon will definitely be among the top three players in Ohio. Ohio could have as many as 4 five star players next year, and Simon looks to be one of them. He's one of two juniors to have an offer(verbal) from Ohio State already, along with Storm Klein from Licking Valley Ohio.

In addition to his excellent football ability, he's also one of the better power lifters in the state of Ohio. He already has a 400 pound bench, in addition to a 600 pound squat, and 300 pound clean. He's a monster by every definition of the word. It would not surprise anyone if he's the top DT in the nation next year. He's that special.

Thank the lord he grew up an Ohio State fan...:)

Ain't gonna be no brothers swaying him on this one...:D

what about paul:D

[untitledproject]

Thank the lord he grew up an Ohio State fan...:)




And then...he saw the light.

[stonebreakerwasgod]

As Arlee would call it...."the head!"?


You betcha.

[scooper]

Simon or bust

[IrishKnight1023]

Wasn't Omar Hunter a huge Michigan fan? I guess this is tougher because he's from Ohio and I don't know. If he doesn't verbal on Sept. 1st then let the games begin.

[NDGirlzRock]

ND has Mooney ties now, Simon may not be the bluckeye lock that you think he is, Napoleon.

[napoleonbuck]

McCarthy had ND ties. I don't think you can compare at all the presence of ND in the Mooney community to the presence of Ohio State.

ND will be our biggest competition for Simon. I'm not doubting that, I just don't think ND fans should be expecting to be the favorite for Simon. McCarthy was a special situation. Had already had a brother graduate from ND, and he had one currently there. He's going to be something like the sixth member of his family to go to Notre Dame. I don't think you can extrapolate anything from Dan's recruitment and apply it to John. John won't have near the connections to Notre Dame that Dan had.

[NDGirlzRock]

McCarthy had ND ties. I don't think you can compare at all the presence of ND in the Mooney community to the presence of Ohio State.

ND will be our biggest competition for Simon. I'm not doubting that, I just don't think ND fans should be expecting to be the favorite for Simon. McCarthy was a special situation. Had already had a brother graduate from ND, and he had one currently there. He's going to be something like the sixth member of his family to go to Notre Dame. I don't think you can extrapolate anything from Dan's recruitment and apply it to John. John won't have near the connections to Notre Dame that Dan had.


If he's a good Catholic boy he might!

[napoleonbuck]

What if he's a better Ohio boy? :)

[scooper]

What if he's a better Ohio boy? :)

Hey. it's his eternal soul. His choice to make. :D

[NDGirlzRock]

You know the saying..."God, country, and Notre Dame!"

[daytonirish]

Napoleon, Cardinal Mooney has three big time players this year in (McCarthy, Beachum, and Zordich). All three had intrest in Ohio State but it doesn"t appear that State gets any of them. Do you think this could effect the thoughts of Simon at all?

[stonebreakerwasgod]

Good question. That would depend on each individual's circumstance, depth, ability, recruitment process, the people around each one, not to mention what guidance the h.s. coach suggests. Too many factors to zero in on, one would think.

[napoleonbuck]

Ohio State hasn't offered Beachum, and it appears unlikely that we will do so.

McCarthy had extensive ties to Notre Dame, and Zordich had extensive ties to Penn State. There are four high division one players at Mooney this year. McCarthy, Zordich, Beachum, and Taylor Hill. The last two probably won't sniff an Ohio State offer. All of them appear to be going out of state and all to different schools(though Beachum may join Zordich at Penn State). Even if none of them go to Ohio State, I don't see how that would affect Simon at all, or even if he's close to any of those players.

John Simon won't have any of those ties. He won't have his dad or his brother talking to him about going to their alma mater, so I'm not too worried about it.

From early reports, Ohio state appears to be the leader, and a commitment around signing day wouldn't surprise a lot of people(he could commit earlier, but Ohio State doesn't have a history of taking or making public verbals from underclassmen. The coaches like to get the previous class all signed before taking in commits from the next class).

[daytonirish]

Thanks for the reply napoleonbuck. Here's hoping that McCarthy can get in Simon's ear this year and nudge him to visit N.D. this fall and check us out. Even thou I'm not a Buckeye fan, (mostly because I was raised an irish fan, and am both catholic and irish). I do think couch Tressel is one of the best coaches in the game and will keep Ohio State in the top 10-15 year in year out. I do enjoy driving my friends crazy by rooting agianst them on occasion. Sorry N.D. guys I'm not an OSU hater, just like to have them lose 1 or 2 games a year. Especially to scUM the same year that we beat scUM.

[IrishCalves]

Irisheyes is saying Simon has received an offer from Notre Dame.

[JMR8]

Yes he has, Scout also has it posted. Dude is a BEAST. He would make a crazy DE or DT depending on how he adds weight, but man he is all muscle and looks to be a huge player. Hopefully McCarthy can help draw him over!

[NDisNCin2010]

simon says...look out!
kids a monster for sure...and those clips from his soph year?...imagine what he will be doing senior yr...good lord Charlie get to work on him now!

[NDisNCin2010]

rivals is confirming the offer (no news there) but also saying he made a oad trip to south bend this weekend with Danny McCarthy...thats some good news.

[daytonirish]

He is one guy I would love to see Charlie get. When we first strtedtalking about him I was hoping that maybe he and Dan were friends and Dan would help bring him along to N.D.

[irishziggy]

BG also has him listed as the only offer given out. he would be a HUGE get.

[KamaraPolice]

Not to be critical, but pancake blocks are a lot easier when the guy playing next to you is consistently falling down and creating a tripping hazard for the guy you're blocking.

[KamaraPolice]

Extremely impressive combination of power and speed. I'd hate to see him go anywhere but ND.

[Fishin'_Irish]

McCarthy had ND ties. I don't think you can compare at all the presence of ND in the Mooney community to the presence of Ohio State.

Thank you for pointing that out, because it's very true. I'm glad we can have fans from other teams that don't just spew crap and create problems.

[KamaraPolice]

True, I think logic points to OSU. However, when has recruiting ever been logical? It's all emotional.

[Fishin'_Irish]

True, I think logic points to OSU. However, when has recruiting ever been logical? It's all emotional.

Also a good point. You either get it, or don't, when you step on campus. If you get it, I don't see how you can't come.

[NDGirlzRock]

We need him along the line....can you imagine. Ethan Johnson Right DE, Omar Hunter NT, Johnny Simon Left DE. My god.....please let it happen....I'm going to mass tonight!!!

[napoleonbuck]

Just passing on a tidbit of info, but Simon's recruitment may end up a lot like McCarthys, except with Ohio State winning out.

I guess Simon has a sister that is currently at Ohio State, and she isn't the only person in his family that goes/went there.

I'm not sure if this is 100% factual, but it's what I gathered from the Mooney fans I know.

I might go to a Cardinal Mooney game in a few weeks when they take on my high school. If I do go, I'll give my full scouting report on Simon and McCarthy for you guys.

[stonebreakerwasgod]

Thanx man. I think most of us figured that OSU has the edge. I think he might get more playing time at ND, but OSU is having a pretty good run lately.

[irishunclebill]

Our 2009 recruiting sub-forums are now on-line and as such John Simon is the first to be moved to the Offered Prospects sub-forum and thus officially becomes GH's first Notre Dame Official Offer for the Class of 2009.

[daytonirish]

Just asking napoleanbuck, but what players from Mooney are at TOSU or have played there. I understand they didn't recruit the 4 big players from Mooney this year. But might that have some effect on Mr. Simon?

[irishryan05]

http://notredame.scout.com/a.z?s=109&p=2&c=696053

Not sure if anyone has seen this...all I can say is wow, look at those arms.

[therizz]

If Corwin can somehow convince J Simon to be Irish...I'll probably...go on a 3 day bender. This guy is a stud and at least we are in the conversation.

[BDirish4ever]

We need him along the line....can you imagine. Ethan Johnson Right DE, Omar Hunter NT, Johnny Simon Left DE. My god.....please let it happen....I'm going to mass tonight!!!
You are absolutely correct in your opinion that we need this guy!! Not only is he a ridiculous physical specimen with a great motor, but he is very technically sound. I was very impressed by his ability to use the spin move to regain leverage when caught in a bad position. He used his hands very well to control the blocker (or blockers on a couple occasions) to help him make the play. This kid is going to nothing but get better, so I am going to sign-off now and get my rosary!!

[The New Louis]

I hope we get him. It will be a battle with O$U for his services.

[napoleonbuck]

Appears Simon verballed to Ohio State this evening. It was rumored to be happening sooner rather than later.

With the haul you guys got this year, you don't need the best from Ohio next year anyways...:)

[daytonirish]

You got you a good one Napolean. But Charlie isn't done with Ohio yet. :D

[untitledproject]

Appears Simon verballed to Ohio State this evening. It was rumored to be happening sooner rather than later.

With the haul you guys got this year, you don't need the best from Ohio next year anyways...:)

BOO THIS MAN!!!!!!!!

BooOoOOoO!!!

[BDirish4ever]

Congrats Napoleon, I was hoping we could steal this one!

[MirageSmack]

Doesn't look like we're getting the best player from Ohio next year. :mad:

[Fishin'_Irish]

Can we ban Napoleon? :)

(Just kidding dude, I like the fact that you post here.)

[napoleonbuck]

Notre Dame will get theirs in good time, whether they're from Ohio(hopefully not) or somewhere else.

I do think Notre Dame will get at least one linebacker from Ohio next year. Too many quality linebackers in state for it not to happen IMO.

[RichardRiot]

Too many quality linebackers in state for it not to happen IMO.

"They play football North of the Carolinas???"

-----------Rivals


Excellent pick-up :mad::(

[paddyman]

At least he said very good things about ND. Just could not get over HSU. Good luck to him.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recruiting/briefingroom?playerId=55152

[NDisNCin2010]

.

[marv81s]

thats a good early pick up for the bucks

congrats napoleon, he should be a very good one.

his ties to osu are pretty deep from what i hear, so ND, or anyone else for that mater, stood a chance

best of luck to him

[napoleonbuck]

I mentioned it before, but he's kind of like Ohio State's Danny McCarthy. McCarthy just had a ton of ties to Notre Dame, as many members of his family went there.

Same held true for Simon.

[irishunclebill]

Profile Updated with Rivals & Scout 100 Ranking , Position Ranking, and Star Rating.

[BuckeyeFozy]

We were so lucky to get this kid! I think after all is said and done he will be one the the Buckeye's all time greats!

[mlcspinner]

We were so lucky to get this kid! I think after all is said and done he will be one the the Buckeye's all time greats!


you never know

[BuckeyeFozy]

I heard that he was ND's first scholarship offer for 09. Is this true?

[drewsko]

Hey buckeyefoxy whats with the numbers at the top of the jersey? Is it Maurice Clarrett's prison ID number?

[mlcspinner]

I heard that he was ND's first scholarship offer for 09. Is this true?

not sure thats a question for IUB (Irishunclebill)

[BuckeyeFozy]

Hey buckeyefoxy whats with the numbers at the top of the jersey? Is it Maurice Clarrett's prison ID number?

Yup, that is Clarrett's inmate number. I just had to put in on one of my jerseys. I break it out every once in a while for tailgating. Always good as a conversation starter and a few laughs.

[drewsko]

Well it definatly made me laugh

[Dayton_Domer]

Nice touch.

[daytonirish]

Don't know if he was the first. We offered him, Xavier Nixon,Cierre Wood and Shrive I believe the first day.

[HoffVir]

Yup, that is Clarrett's inmate number. I just had to put in on one of my jerseys. I break it out every once in a while for tailgating. Always good as a conversation starter and a few laughs.

That's awesome. Good sense of humor.

[irishunclebill]

Profile Updated to reflect latest Rivals & Scout rankings.

Simon drops on both boards, including a 60 slot drop on Rivals.

The commit early/recruiting rankings drop phenomenon for anyone who is not a Pro-Style QB, or who is not committed to a high profile SEC team. Simon will probably drop even more on both boards as the recruiting season progresses.

[napoleonbuck]

This years Mike Adams. Will be underrated all year, but when his senior film comes out and he shows he's the strongest prospect in the nation, he'll be a five star are really close to being one.

Played all last season with a back injury and still had some of the most impressive film of any prospect in Ohio.

[BuckeyeFozy]

I agree, this kid can play. I don't understand the drop. How can a player get worse when high school football has not been played in about four months? What is the dropped based on? :nuts:

[daytonirish]

He did not commit to an SEC team there for he drops. Typical of rivals and scout this early.

[irishunclebill]

I agree, this kid can play. I don't understand the drop. How can a player get worse when high school football has not been played in about four months? What is the dropped based on? :nuts:

There is no logical reason just as there was no reason for another Mooney kid, Danny McCarthy to be dropping on Rivals at this point last year. Just as McCarthy did though, I am sure Simon will move back up, but probably not until the latter part of Mooney's season.

[BuckeyeFozy]

He did not commit to an SEC team there for he drops. Typical of rivals and scout this early.

Great, just what I was looking for... yet another reason to hate the SEC.

[mlcspinner]

Great, just what I was looking for... yet another reason to hate the SEC.


SEC :seestars::angry::nunchaks:

[BuckeyeFozy]

The SEC has knocked Michigan out the top five of my most hated teams. Before the invention of online sport forums I never really had any contact with SEC fans. Oh the beauty of the internet, free porn, free music and now making your lifetime rival seam less annoying in comparison.

[daytonirish]

Your a real Ohio State fan and scUM isn't in your top 5. I smell something fishy. :bigsmile:

[STLDomer1868]

I hate the Security and Exchange Commission also. Damn inside trading rules!

[BuckeyeFozy]

Your a real Ohio State fan and scUM isn't in your top 5. I smell something fishy. :bigsmile:

The fact that we have got the best of them that last four years has tempered my feeling towards them some what, but I suspect that if (when) they beat us again they will make a strong push for the number one spot again! LOL On the topic of scUM, have you seen all the press that their strength and conditioning program is getting? To hear the Michigan folks talk about it you’d think they were the first to think of working out in the off season!

[daytonirish]

Yeah i've caught all that crap..

[woods]

I agree, this kid can play. I don't understand the drop. How can a player get worse when high school football has not been played in about four months? What is the dropped based on? :nuts:
although I am only speculating, i assume his drop is based upon further film analysis. While this could arise from a more in depth look at him, I assume it comes from previously unevaluted players surpassing him on the rankings boards when they are looked at for the first time or more closely. Thus the drop isn't a knock on him as much as it is an acknoweldgement of other player's abilities.

[IrishGrizz]

Who cares? He is an OSU commit. Welcome to the ND world///

[scooper]

Committing to a midwestern school early is not condusive to high rankings by rivals. But those rankings don't affect a kid's play one bit, so I'm not sure why fans (ND included) get too worked up over them.

[daytonirish]

Just something B**** about scooper.

[irishunclebill]

Profile Updated with latest Rivals and Scout rankings.

Simon drops slightly on Rivals and out of their R 100, but is now a Top 25 prospect on Scout.