ARIZONA STATE FOOTBALL

Simone continues to lead Sun Devils despite season-ending injury

Nov 24, 2015, 2:30 PM

Arizona State defensive back Jordan Simone (38) reacts after sacking Utah quarterback Travis Wilson...

Arizona State defensive back Jordan Simone (38) reacts after sacking Utah quarterback Travis Wilson in the first half during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 17, 2015, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

TEMPE – It’s what they’ve done every game during their senior seasons. The three captains walk out together, meet at the edge of Tillman Tunnel, bring their heads together and relish the moment.

Mike Bercovici, D.J. Foster and Jordan Simone did this ritual for the last time before Saturday’s Territorial Cup. But they didn’t imagine it would be like this – Bercovici and Foster in pads, while Simone carried his crutches.

“We just come together, and we live in the moment for that brief period of time. We just tell each other we love each other,” Simone said. “As corny as it may sound, those are my best friends. We live in that moment for a second, just enjoying it. That’s something that I’ll remember forever.”

The redshirt senior safety’s collegiate career came to an end during the Sun Devils’ 27-17 come-from-behind victory against Washington on November 14. Simone’s right knee collided with a helmet while he was making a tackle. After the play he pounded on the grass on Frank Kush Field – he had torn his ACL.

“My heart goes out to him,” head coach Todd Graham said. “It was a play that was such a – it always is like that – it was just a freak play. It was just a very unusual play how he got hurt.”

Before the injury, Simone was first nationally with 7.8 solo tackles per game. He had gone a long way since joining the program as a walk-on back in 2012.

“I did have a couple of days there where I was starting to feel sorry for myself,” Simone said. “If I felt sorry for myself when I was a walk-on, I wouldn’t be where I am today. It’s just another bump in the road, and something I can overcome.”

Simone finished his Sun Devil career with 191 tackles, four interceptions and five sacks in just two seasons, but he won’t just be remembered as a guy that racked up tackles. He’ll be remembered as one of the most vocal leaders Arizona State has had in the Todd Graham era. In Saturday’s 52-37 win over Arizona, Simone put on a headset to help out the secondary.

“He’s phenomenal. He was talking to them in between every series…he was very much involved, and was a great asset to those guys during the game,” Graham said. “Jordan does a great job. He even works on me a little bit, just keeping me calm too. He’s the only one that will say anything to me when I’m mad.”

Off the field Simone leads by example, especially with his roommates.

“Man, if people only knew half of the preparation that that kid does,” Bercovici said. “I’ve lived with him for quite awhile now. The kid eats, sleeps and breathes Arizona State football. He goes to sleep about 8:30 at night. We make sure that there’s quiet hours when we’re in season.”

Even though Simone won’t be putting on the pads for the Sun Devils again, he is still a source of inspiration for them.

“He’s been my favorite person I’ve watched play football in my entire life,” Bercovici said.

Simone has opted not to have surgery on his injured knee until after the regular season is over. He wants to embrace the last moments of the Sun Devils’ season.

“I want to be there with my guys on the last game. I thought about getting the surgery this week, but I just couldn’t sit on the couch and watch my boys play and not be there and be able to help,” Simone said. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Graham said that these types of injuries can break the spirit of players – but that’s not the case with Simone.

“He’ll respond from this and recover from this like the champion that he is. He could be like moping around, and just down and depressed. I haven’t seen any of that,” Graham said. “I’ve seen him fully participating just like he was healthy, and that tell you a lot about him. He’s a champ in every way and he’ll recover and rehab from this thing.”

Simone said the injury is just a minor setback for him. He still aspires to make it to the NFL.

“I just want to be remembered as a guy that gave everything he had for his teammates and his coaches. A passionate football player that loves the game,” Simone said. “It’s something that is a part of my story and is going to be a part of my journey.

“I’m ready to put in the hard work and get better. I’ll get a chance at the next level and I’ll make it.”

The Sun Devils have one last regular season game as they travel to take on Cal on Saturday. Simone plans on running out of the tunnel with his best friends, like he’s always done. Relishing the moment.

Arizona State Football

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: What is Bobby Hurley’s future at Arizona State?

On the latest State of the Sun Devil podcast the guys react to the end of men's basketball season, and wonder what the future of the program will be and how the offseason will unfold. Plus, reactions to football's pro day.

3 days ago

ASU football field...

Dan Bickley

Arizona State reaches rock bottom at end of Pac-12 stay

Rock bottom is mostly a metaphor, a cliché for sports teams that have fallen and can’t get up. But you can find it on the map at ASU.

4 days ago

Michael Crow, Arizona State University president...

Kevin Zimmerman

Now would be a good time for Arizona State to hire an athletic director

Who's to make a decision on Arizona State coach Bobby Hurley without an athletic director? Michael Crow must make a decision soon.

5 days ago

ASU QB Drew Pyne...

Arizona Sports

Former ASU starting QB Drew Pyne headed to Missouri

After playing in just two games in his ASU football career, quarterback Drew Pyne is moving on to the Missouri Tigers.

9 days ago

Sparky's Fairway at Mountain America Stadium...

Tyler Drake

Sparky’s Fairway golf takes over Arizona State’s Mountain America Stadium

ASU's Mountain America Stadium is trading in its hash marks for yardage markers as Sparky's Fairway takes center stage beginning Thursday.

11 days ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: What does Arizona State men’s basketball need to do against Bronny James and USC?

On the latest edition of State of the Sun Devils, the guys discuss what Arizona State men's basketball needs to do next.

13 days ago

Simone continues to lead Sun Devils despite season-ending injury