May 10, 2013; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Matt Simms (5) drops back to pass during New York Jets rookie minicamp at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
There’s one thing you should know if you’re an observer of SEC football.
The rivalries persist beyond the four years spent on the gridiron in college.
The Tennessee-Alabama rivalry is no exception.
While the rivalry has been lopsided in recent years, Vol fans can take solace in one small consolation.
So far in Jets OTA’s, it appears former Vols quarterback Matt Simms is beating former Crimson Tide quarterback Greg McElroy for the coveted number three spot, this according to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News.
Yes it’s early, yes there’s a much bigger quarterback going on in Jets camp (Mark Sanchez and Geno Smith if you haven’t heard), but in a rivalry nothing is meaningless.
Simms, who started his college career at Louisville before heading to Tennessee, was cut by the Jets before the 2012 season, but was later signed to a future/reserve contract.
The son of former New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms did not have the greatest college career. He started the first eight games of the 2010 season before losing his job to Tyler Bray.
He didn’t fare much better in 2012, splitting time with Justin Worley, after an injury sidelined Bray.
Simms appears to have a decent shot at making the team in 2013.
If he does, you never know what may happen. Sanchez is terrible and Geno Smith is a fellow rookie, who could either take off or flounder.
An injury and a few interceptions and Simms could find himself spot starting, much like McElroy last season.
Of course Vol fans will hope Simms fares better, after all it’s a rivalry.
For more on former Vols in the NFL make sure to follow along on Twitter @vols_zach