The state long jump record in Alabama had stood since 1990, when Orlando Watters, a defensive back for Arkansas and the NFL, and an Anniston standout, jumped 24’10”. However, on Friday, Malcolm Simmons, an Auburn wide receiver signee, broke the record and set a national record by jumping 24’11.25″, winning the 6A title by more than four feet. He was in elite company as it was the fourth-best leap by a high school athlete in the US this year.
That follows a recent 7’00” high jump that was just.25 inches short of the state record and the best in the state this year.
In order to put his long jump into perspective, he would place himself in the Top 10 all-time for Auburn University’s long jump in school history after his jump on Friday. That is some very unique company. Not bad for a high school athlete who also competes in the high jump and the 200 meters, which he accomplished after the basketball season, since it would place him in the Top 50 in the NCAA this season.
Simmons had a fantastic season for the Wildcats last season at Benjamin Russell after making the switch to a full-time wide receiver. In 13 games, he caught 60 passes for 1,279 yards and 14 touchdowns. In December of last year, he also set the record for the longest pass reception in the 37-year history of the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic. He completed Alabama’s 26-17 victory over Mississippi at M.M. Roberts Stadium, home of the University of Southern Mississippi, with a touchdown reception that traveled 88 yards.
Regarded as the No. 150 player in the nation in Auburn’s 2024 class, Simmons is a 4-star recruit. Along with fellow signee Perry Thompson, Simmons will arrive at Auburn at the end of May as part of one of the nation’s top wide receiver classes. Bryce Cain and Cam Coleman, who are classmates, have already enrolled at Auburn and participated in spring workouts.
