Simmons is latest to choose Duke

Sanderson High coach Jason Tindal calls Duke's in-state football recruiting "turbo-charged."

Tindal said he had not heard from a Duke recruiter in the four years before David Cutcliffe became coach. Now, he said, he is hearing from the Duke staff on a weekly basis via a telephone call, an e-mail, a letter.

If his experience is typical, Tindal said, Duke is going to become a much bigger factor with in-state recruits.

Sanderson's Perry Simmons, a 6-foot-5, 265-pound offensive tackle, committed to Duke last week after receiving offers from Navy, East Carolina and Western Carolina.

Earlier, Duke received commitments from Durham Hillside back Corey Gattis and Wakefield linebacker Kevin Rojas.

Duke had two in-state recruits in 2008, three in 2007 and none in 2006.

Simmons had attended camps this summer at N.C. State, Virginia Tech, North Carolina, Wake Forest, Furman and Duke.

"I am sure he would have garnered more offers as the season took shape," Tindal said. "A coordinator at another ACC school told me he felt like his program would wind up battling at least 25 other Division I programs for Perry if he had waited."

Simmons said there was no need to wait.

He has never made below an A in any high school course and has a 4.6 grade-point average.

Simmons was attracted to Duke's academic reputation, but it was the coaching staff that pushed him to the Blue Devils.

"I loved the atmosphere and the coaches," he said.

Simmons said he was impressed with line coach Matt Luke, who went to Duke from Tennessee.

Simmons has gained about 35 pounds since last season, when he played tight end. He bench presses about 300 pounds and runs 40 yards in about 5 seconds.