Бернард Симмонс из Ратерфорда признан спортсменом недели за успехи в футболе и учебе

Rutherford senior is our Walborsky, Bradley and Fleming Student Athlete of the Week PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) -When you look at the Rutherford football team’s offensive line, it’s kind of tough to miss Bernard Simmons. The senior center, who goes by “Bo”, is almost six feet tall and 300 pounds, a member of Rutherford’s weightlifting team and a two-year starter on the Rams’ football team under head coach Albert Floyd. “In the O-line, it’s a unit. Like, we’re brothers, so I just love being out there with my guys competing and, you know, having fun, just being together.” Bo says. Bo is a physical, yet smart, center. He was named to last year’s All-County team, all while keeping his grades up to remain in Rutherford’s International Baccalaureate program. And he carries a 4.3 GPA and has a 1270 SAT score. It’s a resume Bo says he owes to the support of his family and coaches. “My parents, you know, they’re big on my education and stuff. My grandma’s a teacher, so, like, she’s always pushed my education. And also, Coach Floyd, like, if our grades are bad, he’s going to let us know about it. So, he’s been a big help, too. My dad, he played football his whole life. You know, I’ve always watched football, been digging into football, but just wanted to get out here and play. I think it’s just always been a part of me, but I just love football.” What’s next for the big fella? Shockingly, it’s not a career in football. Instead, Bo wants to help care for animals as a veterinarian. “I want to become a vet. I’m looking at a lot of vet schools in Florida, mostly. I like FAM because they have a good vet program, so I’ll probably go to FAMU. Before he trades the black and gold for orange and green, Bo knows the Rams have his back and so do the rest of his linemen brothers. “I mean, I’m not really the most vocal leader, but, like, especially with the O-line, I like to, like, you know, like, just be with them, like, be a part. Like, even though I’m older, I’m a leader, I like to be one of the guys, you know, just have a good relationship, pretty much.” For Bo Simmons, it’s all about knowing being a student-athlete is about more than what you do between the lines. It’s about what you do when the helmet comes off, too. Newschannel 7’s Student Athlete of the Week is sponsored by Walborsky, Bradley, and Fleming. To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WJHG on Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter). Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Email [email protected]. Please include the article’s headline in your message. Keep up with all the biggest headlines on the WJHG News app, and check out what’s happening outside using the WJHG Weather app. Copyright 2026 WJHG. All rights reserved.