Calvary’s James Simon adjusts to dad’s Grambling State job
VIVIAN - Calvary running back James Simon has learned to take the good with the bad of being a college coach’s son.
“It’s been rocky having to lose friends, etc … and adjusting to new ones often, but we’ve done it a good amount to where we’re used to it,” said James, one of the top backs in Northwest Louisiana.
Playing a little over a half in the Cavaliers’ 56-26 victory over North Caddo, Simon rushed 14 times for 92 yards and two scores Friday night. The win allowed Calvary (5-1, 1-0 District 1-2A) to continue its domination of the Titans (4-2, 0-1).
John Simon has coached at Southern Miss, Louisiana-Lafayette, Arizona State and Memphis.
“Louisiana is the fifth state I’ve lived in,” said the sophomore.
James Simon has been impactful at Calvary, a perennial state title contender in LHSAA’s Class 1A or 2A in recent seasons. He displayed his talents in the No. 7 Cavaliers’ district showdown against No. 4 North Caddo.
Veteran coach Rodney Guin, who coached Dak Prescott at Haughton, called Simon “a great, young running back.”
John Simon Jr., a former running back at Louisiana Tech and in the NFL, has coached at five different colleges over the last decade and is currently serving as Grambling State’s offensive coordinator. His two sons, John and James, have learned to adjust to new communities and new friends quickly due to their father’s job moves.
“James sees the field as well as any I’ve coached and is also an outstanding receiver,” Guin said.
Because Grambling plays at Alabama A&M on Saturday, John Simon couldn’t be in Vivian to watch his sons play this week. But he likes where they are in their development and the coaching they’re receiving.
"As a parent when you put so much time into this profession with other people’s kids, it’s rare that you have the time to devote to your kids,” John Simon said. “I’ve always been blessed to try to be close to where I’ve worked so I can be hands on with my kids – training my kids, coaching my kids and helping them grow as men off the field, as well as on the field.”
James Simon said he understands his father’s commitment to coaching and isn’t bothered when he must miss a game.
“I don’t really worry about who’s there,” he said. “I focus on ball and try to do my best on what I’m doing. He does make it to Thursday night games.”
And there are plusses to being the son of a coach who gained 4,852 all-purpose yards during his four years at Tech before playing in the NFL for the Tennessee Titans and Washington.
“It’s a great tool. He helps with our connections to gain exposure and teaching in our own craft to get better at the game we play,” Simon said. “We also get to see the ins and outs of college football.”
On the rare moments when he does get to see his boys play in a live game, he finds a lot to like about their situation at Calvary.
“They’ve done a really good job and are playing at a high level right now,” John Simon said. “Calvary’s playing at a real high level. Coach Guin does an excellent job with that program and that’s why I place my kids there.”
Jimmy Watson covers Shreveport-Bossier area sports. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Grambling coach John Simon's son performs well for Calvary football
