A NOSE FOR THE FOOTBALL

Ron Simmons became the fifth Seminole elected to the College Football Hall of Fame with the class of 2008. Florida State had already honored the dynamic noseguard by then, inducting him into the FSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1986 and retiring his No. 50 in 1988. Simmons was known for playmaking abilities that could turn the game on a dime, including an unbelievable performance against North Texas State on October 29, 1977. He recorded a program-record five sacks for a loss of 51 yards, absolutely stifling the Mean Green offense. “Never in my life have I seen a player make as many big plays as Ron Simmons did tonight,” said coach Bobby Bowden. “I know it’s almost impossible for a freshman to make All-American, but in [my] book he is one.” Simmons ultimately recorded 12 sacks that season, setting a program record that stood for nearly two decades.