This time of year is typically reserved for programs across the country to put the finishing touches on their respective recruiting classes. And while the Ducks are still actively tying up loose ends for the 2020 class, they are also using this time to generate momentum in the Class of 2021, which is already shaping up to be another tremendously strong recruiting haul for Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal.

On Monday, the Ducks’ five-man 2021 class recruiting expanded to six following the verbal commitment of San Diego (Calif.) Madison four-star offensive lineman Josh Simmons.

%100 committed🙏🏾 #AG2G pic.twitter.com/izE1ZO4IyU

— Josh (@josh5immons) January 20, 2020

Ranked as the nation’s 11th-best offensive guard, Simmons joins three-star prospect and fellow Oregon verbal commit Jackson Light as the second offensive lineman to commit to the Ducks during the 2021 recruiting cycle. He also joins Seven McGee, Anthony Beavers, Keith Brown, and Kyron Ware-Hudson as the fifth four-star recruit to pledge to Oregon with nearly a year to go before 2021 prospects can officially sign with the program of their choice.

Simmons garnered offers from Pac-12 schools the likes of USC, UCLA, and Colorado before making the decision to join a 2021 class for Oregon that now ranks no. 6 nationally per 247Sports’ Composite Team Rankings.

Below we take a closer look at Simmons’ game, examining his weaknesses and strengths, as well as projecting how he may make an impact for the Ducks when he ultimately arrives on campus.

Notable weaknesses:

• Will need to monitor weight: Simmons’ hulking frame is no doubt imposing for a rising high school senior, but his weight is something he’ll need to manage as he continues to mature and develop. His adherence to Oregon’s strength and conditioning program will likely determine how quickly Simmons is able to make an impact.
• Suspect pass blocker: This area feels a bit incomplete when evaluating Simmons on tape. As a run blocker, Simmons proves to be an absolute difference maker. But when it comes to his pass blocking skills, there isn’t much on tape to suggest he’s highly adept in this area. This is a facet of his game in which he will need to demonstrate proficiency in order to garner early playing time.

Notable strengths:

• Great finishing ability: On film, it’s hard to ignore just how dominant Simmons is at the point of attack. Once he’s locked onto his opponent, he makes a cruel habit out of pancaking his defender. He’s a rough and rugged offensive line talent that relishes every opportunity he gets to quite literally bury the player lined up across from him.
• Impressive athleticism: Don’t let his size fool you, Josh Simmons is a quality athlete for a big man. He’s light on his feet, moves well laterally, and can get downhill with relative ease in the run and screen game.
• College-ready frame: At 6-foot-5 and 323 pounds, there aren’t too many linemen at the high school level who compare to Simmons when you combine his athletic gifts with shear size. Should he continue to mature and progress physically and fundamentally along a positive trajectory, he has the build to compete immediately for a place in the offensive line rotation.

Overall outlook:

Somewhat reminiscent of current Oregon offensive lineman Steven Jones in terms of size, physicality, and versatility, Simmons, it appears, is mostly likely to star at one of the guard positions once he reaches college. That’s a good thing for Oregon, as the Ducks, in general, lack depth at the position and could use a player like Simmons who could be ready-made to contribute in his first year with the program. Managing his size will be something Simmons needs to be personally mindful of as he makes the transition to college, but it’s hard not to be encouraged by his physical profile and the athletic gifts he exhibits on film. From a body composition standpoint, Simmons is exactly the kind of player that Mario Cristobal has made a point of targeting since coming to Oregon prior to the 2017 season, and should have very little trouble fitting in upon his arrival in Eugene.

Top Photo: San Diego (Calif.) Madison offensive lineman Josh Simmons (Photo: 247Sports)