Cornell University Athletics

At Cornell
Possessing the size and skills to be one of the top offensive linemen in the Ancient Eight, Simmonds will be back on the field and challenging for a starting position after missing 2012 with an injury. He emerged as a starter in 2011 en route to earning his first varsity letter. He moved into the starting lineup on the offensive line in the second game of the season and opened six contests before missing the rest of the year with an injury. Simmonds started five games at right guard before moving out to right tackle for one contest. A true tackle, he has the size and frame to develop into a top lineman. Simmonds made his collegiate debut as a reserve in the win over Bucknell in 2010.

At Fairport
An all-state offensive lineman at Fairport HS, Simmonds was a first-team all-league and all-area selection as a senior. He earned a spot as the team captain in 2009 and was named to the Rochester Super 24 team. Simmonds was a two-way player, seeing time at defensive tackle and posting 49 tackles, three sacks and a blocked punt that he returned for a touchdown.

Personal
Matthew James Simmonds is the son of Paul Simmonds and Nancy Beaman. His father played soccer at Cortland from 1979-82. Simmonds is enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences.