Wednesday, November 14, 2001

Simms says he will not enter draft early
Longhorn QB backtracks on early statments that he would leave
By Jim Vertuno
Associated Press

AUSTIN — Chris Simms is still in college but he can backtrack like a pro.

The Texas quarterback said Tuesday night he planned to think about entering the NFL draft after this season. He stepped back from that hours later, saying he would listen to NFL evaluators but would stay with the No. 5 Longhorns through next season.

“I think it would be stupid for me not to listen to a few opinions here and there and hear what people have to say,” Simms told The Associated Press Tuesday night after practice.

“I’m not saying I’m going to come out, or anything like that, but I’m definitely going to listen to what people say,” Simms said.

Simms holds the school record with 22 touchdown passes with one regular-season game left for the Longhorns.

Simms, a junior, said he would have to consider all options for his future should he finish the season strong. Any decision would likely be made in consultation with his father, former Super Bowl MVP Phil Simms, now an NFL broadcaster.

“If I do come back I’ll at least hear what people had to say about me, where I need to improve in my game,” Simms said. “But I’m definitely going to leave that door open.”

He later told the Austin American-Statesman that he won’t leave Texas early.

“I’m going to be back next year,” Simms told the newspaper.

“I don’t plan on going, but I’ve got to hear what they (the NFL committee) have to say,” he told the newspaper. “I can use what they say as a learning tool.”

Simms was on many Heisman Trophy watch lists when the season started and appeared on the cover of several national magazines. The hype faded with a slow start and all but stopped with four interceptions in a 14-3 loss to Oklahoma.

He has since rebounded with 16 touchdown passes in Texas’ five-game winning streak. Simms has passed for 2,335 yards with eight interceptions.

In the summer, Simms rejected speculation that he would turn pro after this season. At the time, he’d started only six games and was just emerging from a battle for the starting job with Major Applewhite.

“That’s ludicrous,” he said then. “Even if I had the greatest year in the history of college football. There’s no way.”

The Longhorns close the regular season Nov. 23 against Texas A&M. With a victory over the Aggies, Texas could earn a bid to a Bowl Championship Series game.

Simms said he has not talked with coach Mack Brown about any pro possibilities.

“It’s not really the time right now I don’t think,” Simms said. “I guess we’ll have enough time to talk about it.”

Brown said Tuesday night he expected Simms to stay at Texas.

“Usually we talk about those things after the season. I don’t think Chris will go to the NFL but if it’s something that’s best for him, it’s sure something we’ll consider,” Brown said.

“But he’s got a dad who played there for a long time so he has a guy in the house who can talk to him about the pros and cons,” the coach said. “But I know Chris’ biggest concern right now is beating A&M.”