Simmons still waiting to find a home

Georgia is a hot bed for talent in the class of 2007 and with most of the top players already signed and accounted for, college coaches are finding that the well isn't exactly dry just yet. Jeremy Simmons of Tucker (Ga.) High School is a popular name amongst the mid-majors and he is looking to enter college with a state title next year.

The 6-foot-7 athletic forward admitted he was very close to picking a college destination during the early signing period.

"I thought about it for a long time. I almost signed with Ball State," Simmons said. "I really like coach Ronnie Thompson but I haven't visited them yet and I decided it wasn't worth signing unless I can see them for myself."

Tulane and St. Louis are also in the mix, Simmons said, along with Ball State going into the season.

"They are my leaders but I'm still open to others. They just came at me the hardest," Simmons said.

Providence has also just entered the picture, Simmons said, and he took a visit to Marshall in the fall but is no longer considering the program. He is armed with four visits this season. Most of all, he is armed with a vision of a state title.

Tucker head coach James Hartry told Rivals.com over the Thanksgiving break that Simmons is the team's go-to guy this season.

"This is Jeremy Simmons's team," Hartry said. "He's done more in two years than most players that have ever played here at Tucker. We are going to rely on him big time."

Simmons, along with Tennessee signee Cameron Tatum who is at prep school now, helped Tucker go 57-5 and two straight Final Four trips over the last two years.

"He's our leader on and off the court," he said. "Without him, no of our success would be possible. Most importantly, he's our leader in the classroom."

Simmons carries a 3.5 grade point average and a athletic post game that is steady on both ends of the floor.

"I want to go out and finish with the championship. I've been thinking about that all summer long," Simmons said. "I can't leave Gwinnett Arena (the site of the state championship games) without a title this year. I want it to come with me."