Marcus Simms was slated to be one of the top wide receivers for the WVU football team this season.
He may have hindered his chance to be on the receiving end of most of quarterback Will Grier’s passes as he was arrested for DUI in Morgantown Saturday night.
The drinking scene is a threat for any West Virginia University student. Saturday was move-in day in Morgantown, which is one of the craziest scenes in town all year.
With thousands of young people descending on North-Central West Virginia, there are many distractions in the air. This year, especially, because classes do not start until Wednesday, Aug. 16. That means most students will have four full days to relax before the pressure of a new school year begins.
Relaxation is one thing, taking advantage of the drinking scene in Morgantown.
Marcus Simms, a second-year member of the WVU football team, fell into the trap that many other students and student-athletes fall into on the first weekend back in Morgantown.
Last year, Marcus Simms saw great playing time as a true freshman on the WVU football team. He played in nine games as the Mountaineers went 10-3. Simms provided much-needed depth at wide receiver and on special teams. His role was likely going to grow this season as the receiving corps took a hit this offseason with Shelton Gibson leaving earlier to pursue a career in the professional ranks.
Gibson was a fifth-round pick for the Philadelphia Eagles and he is progressing in training camp with the team. He was one of the WVU football team’s best receivers for three years, but many believe he still had something to prove in the college ranks.
Simms has a lot to prove with the Mountaineers, too. Before this recent mishap, he was fighting for a starting job and most signs pointed towards him making an impact early in the season.
Last year, he totaled six catches for 95 yards and a touchdown. In high school, he was a first-team All-State honoree in Maryland. At 6-foot, 190 pounds, Simms had the right size and good speed to compete at the Division I level.
He may still get that chance, but he will likely be disciplined by Dana Holgorsen and staff.