Damari Simeon

Physical Profile

Simeon possesses a compact and powerful frame at a listed 6-foot-2 and weighing between 275-288 pounds. This build allows him to play with excellent natural leverage, getting underneath the pads of taller offensive linemen to dictate the point of attack. He is a standout athlete for his size, described as one of the 'freakier movers' on the defensive line, with exceptional burst, lateral ability, and body control. His youth for the 2026 class suggests significant physical maturation is still to come.

Play Style

On film, Simeon is a game-wrecker who lines up both on the edge and inside for St. Augustine Prep but projects as a 3-technique defensive tackle. He wins with an explosive first step, balance, and the ability to use his hands effectively to shed blocks. He is a high-energy player who plays through the whistle and has a knack for finding the football, whether it's against the run or the pass. His ability to slide around opponents and maintain leverage makes him a constant disruptive force in the opposing backfield.

Strengths

• Explosive get-off and first-step quickness that allows him to consistently penetrate gaps and disrupt plays as soon as the ball is snapped.
• Excellent leverage and power derived from his impressive lower-body mobility and ability to maintain a low pad level, enabling him to uproot and manhandle blockers.
• Relentless motor and advanced play recognition, frequently making plays in pursuit and demonstrating the awareness to diagnose screens, as evidenced by an interception on his film.

Areas to Improve

• Continued development of his pass-rush arsenal; needs to add more hand-fighting moves and counters to complement his bull rush and initial quickness to be consistently effective at the Big Ten level.
• Adding functional mass and strength to his frame to prepare for the physical demands of playing as an interior defensive tackle against elite college offensive linemen.

College Projection

Simeon projects as a multi-year contributor and potential starter for Ohio State. Given his advanced athleticism and motor, he could see situational snaps early in his career after a developmental period to add size and refine his technique. His disruptive traits give him the ceiling of an all-conference-level player in a defensive scheme that allows its interior linemen to be aggressive and attack gaps.

NFL Outlook

As a highly-rated four-star prospect committed to a premier development program like Ohio State, Simeon possesses clear NFL potential. His combination of explosive athleticism, power at the point of attack, and relentless motor are foundational traits for a next-level interior defensive lineman. If he continues to develop his frame and pass-rush repertoire, he has the upside to become a mid-round NFL Draft selection with the potential to rise higher.

Best Fit

Simeon is an ideal fit as a 3-technique in an aggressive, one-gap penetrating defensive front. A scheme like the one run by his future defensive line coach, Larry Johnson, at Ohio State, which values upfield disruption and allows defensive tackles to leverage their athleticism to create chaos, will maximize his skill set.