2010 Football Summer Preview: Getting To Know...
The 2010 MAC Football season is quickly approaching and as part of our preview we would like to give you an inside look into the lives of our student-athletes. You can find the schedule of student-athletes we will preview by scrolling to the bottom of the page or by clicking the "Getting To Know" advertisement on the front of our homepage or football page. You can also stay up-to-date with our player features via Twitter, Facebook or our new fan blog at MACFootballNation.com
Be sure to visit www.mac-sports.com on Friday, July 30th to watch live video interviews with the league's head coaches and student-athletes as we kick off the season with our 2010 MAC Football Preview at Detroit's Ford Field
Getting To Know...Kent State's Monte' Simmons
Monte' Simmons is a senior defensive end for the Kent State Golden Flashes. Last season, Simmons led Kent State with eight sacks and 16 tackles for loss en route to earning second team All-MAC honors. He recorded 56 tackles (33 solo) and earned MAC Defensive Player of the Week Honors on Nov. 2, 2009 when he had five tackles and three sacks against Western Michigan. Entering his senior year, the native of Swissvale, Pa., ranks fourth in school history with 16.0 career sacks and is nine sacks shy of Justin Parrish's school record of 25.0. Below is a closer look at the Kent State DE...
1. Why did you choose Kent State University?
I chose Kent State because it was the only school that made me feel like I was wanted and needed.
2. What are your goals for this season?
My goal for this season is to give my heart and soul and everything I can to my team so we can achieve what we are all working so hard for and that's a MAC CHAMPIONSHIP.
3. How did you get started playing football?
Back in junior high I was seen as and was a nerd -- stayed in my books did my homework all that nerd type stuff. When it came to talking to someone especially females I just did their homework for them. Then I noticed football players got a lot of attention so I joined the football team in 7th grade. I didn't think I'd like it or be as good at it and I've been playing ever since.
4. What is your favorite beverage/food/desert?
My favorite beverage is strawberry fanta. My favorite dessert is Eat'n Park's strawberry pie. I have three favorite foods: Mac and cheese, ribs, and pasta. I can ultimately survive on these things.
5. What is an annoying habit you possess?
When I'm concentrating on something or something is really interesting to me I tend to shake my leg unintentionally and if someone is sitting next to me it tends to annoy them.
6. When you were a little kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to be an architect and a preacher and back when I was younger would always say that when anyone would ask.
7. Which words or phrases do you overuse?
It's more my made up phrase: "yez zur" or "yez mazam" more like a sign of respect but with a twist.
8. What is the best class you've taken at Kent State?
Casting Metals with Professor Dragomier -- mainly any class with "Drag" is a great class. Also College Writing 2 with Professor Shank.
9. What is the most notable thing about your hometown?
Pittsburgh is the City of Champions.
10. What are your hobbies and off-the-field interests?
I play the violin. Many people don't know nor think I can, but that's one hobby.
