Cody Simon is in his fifth year at Ohio State.
He took advantage of the extra year of eligibility granted to all players due to the coronavirus pandemic and hesitated to join the NFL last winter.
Here’s everything you need to know about Simon, the Buckeyes’ most experienced linebacker, heading into the season opener on August 31 against Akron.
Cody Simon is set to start as middle linebacker at Ohio State
When Tommy Eichenberg decided not to use his bonus playing rights granted due to COVID-19 in one year, his departure left a spot in the rankings vacant.
It will not be a new role.
Simon was the Buckeyes’ starting middle linebacker for most of 2021, filling in for Eichenberg in three of the final four games last fall.
“He’s the undisputed leader of the group,” said linebackers coach James Laurinaitis. “He’s the leader of the defense.”
Shoulder surgery sends Cody Simon back to Ohio State
A labrum tear in Simon’s right shoulder put him out of action at the end of 2021 and required surgery.
The procedure limited him months later in spring training and allowed Eichenberg to overtake him in the rankings after a stellar performance in the Rose Bowl, totaling 17 tackles.
The move to a base defense with only two linebackers after hiring Jim Knowles as defensive coordinator also limited his role, although he still managed to play 610 snaps during his rotation over the past two years, according to Pro Football Focus’ count.
Cody Simon comes from a family of athletes
His older brother, Shayne Simon, is currently attending NFL training camp with the Buffalo Bills.
Shayne Simon was the starting middle linebacker in Pittsburgh after transferring there from Notre Dame in 2022.
Both of her parents played sports in college. Her father, Mike Simon, played rugby for the Army and her mother, Amy Ellis, was a member of the Michigan track team.
Joey Kaufman covers Ohio State University football for The Columbus Dispatch. Follow him on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, @joeyrkaufman or email him at [email protected].
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