Family of Florida QB commit Austin Simmons disputes reclassification reports
The family of Florida Gators' quarterback commit Austin Simmons is disputing national reports that Simmons reclassified from the Class of 2025 to the Class of 2023 to enroll at the University of Florida this fall.
David Simmons, Austin’s father, told The Post on Thursday that reports suggesting his son reclassified were ”not accurate.” The 17-year-old is still a Class of 2025 athlete and enrolled as a student at Moore Haven High School.
“That could change. It could be 24 hours or it could be 24 days,” David said, clarifying nothing’s been made “official” at present in a follow-up call with The Post on Friday.
National recruiting website On3, citing correspondents Josh Newberg and Keith Niebuhr, was the first to publish information regarding Simmons' potential reclassification on Thursday. The disputed reports further spread across social media through fan sites like Hail Florida Hail.
David said there’s a ”possibility to reclassify still,” but the ”best option” for Austin continues to be the top priority. He added that reclassifying has “always” been an available avenue for Austin, who is currently in the last semester of classes for an Associate of Arts degree after completing his sophomore football season last fall.
At Pahokee in 2022, Simmons completed 68% of passes (163-of-242) for 24 touchdowns and 3,141 yards in the air. On the ground, he rushed for three more, averaging 6.5 yards per carry. He led Pahokee to the region final of the FHSAA playoffs.
Simmons left Pahokee to enroll at Moore Haven in April. The same month, he committed to Billy Napier and Florida football.
Simmons made an official visit to Ole Miss on June 2. According to Sports Illustrated, he reportedly made an unofficial visit to Gainesville the following week.
Emilee Smarr is the high school sports reporter for The Palm Beach Post. She can be reached via email at esmarr@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Austin Simmons: Florida QB commit's family disputes reclassification report
