Tulsa World: Up close: Brian Simmons

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Up close: Brian Simmons

Brian Simmons has made the transition to offensive lineman. Courtesy

By GUERIN EMIG World Sports Writer
Published: 11/13/2008 2:21 AM
Last Modified: 11/13/2008 3:54 AM

NORMAN — In the spring of 2006, Brian Simmons made a head-spinning move. He had come to Oklahoma as a defensive tackle, and now he was going to try offense.

"It's a lot tougher, especially mentally," Simmons said. "You have to do this, but if a defender does that, you have to do this. Defense, it doesn't matter what the offensive lineman does. You just blow him up, run through him or run around him.

"But as an offensive lineman, you can be so strong, but if you don't have any technique, it means nothing. You'll get exploited."

Fortunately, Simmons was strong enough in body and mind to make the transition. Now he's like a sixth starter on OU's offensive line, joining Duke Robinson and Brandon Walker in the rotation at guard.

Simmons certainly will play a big role in next Saturday's matchup against No. 2 Texas Tech, given the Sooners' flourishing run game and how critical that part of the offense will be in controlling the clock and keeping Tech's high-flying offense off the field.

It's a big deal, but not the only thing on Simmons' mind.

What did you think of the presidential election last week?

It was history. I felt really honored to experience something like that. I really believed it would happen someday, but I didn't know I would live to see it. I'm glad to at least witness it.

Were you able to watch after practice?

I did watch a lot of the television stations that were covering it, as they were counting up the ballots. I saw him (President-elect Barack Obama) give his speech. Practice made me want to relax anyway, so I laid down in bed and just watched it.

Who on the team would make a good politician?

I could see Jon Cooper (OU's starting center) as a politician, seriously. He's always got good ideas, and he tends to think of things differently than most people. On a play, I'll ask him, "Why are we doing it like this?" He'll break it down as if he's Coach (Kevin) Wilson.

You have a cousin, Cedric Simmons, on the Chicago Bulls. Have you gone to many NBA games in Oklahoma City?

I went to a lot of Hornet games. I got to go to a Thunder game the other day, but it still feels kind of funny. Give it a couple years, it will sink in.

Met a lot of NBA players?

I've met LeBron (James) before. I met Chris Paul and all the Hornet players. I met Chauncey Billups when I was in high school. I was talking to him about getting to the next level and stuff, and he gave me a lot of advice. He's a good guy.

Guerin Emig 581-8355
guerin.emig@tulsaworld.com By GUERIN EMIG World Sports Writer

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