Colin Simmons could bring home hardware during his first season on the 40 Acres

Texas EDGE Colin Simmons hasn't even played 10 games yet in his Texas career, but he's a candidate to bring some hardware back to Austin. Simmons was named a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award on Wednesday, an honor given annually by the Maxwell Football Club to the most outstanding freshman in college football.

Simmons was on the preseason watch list along with Ryan Wingo , who was not one of the 14 semifinalists.

So far this season as the Longhorns' backup Buck and as an often-used pass-rusher, Simmons has tallied 23 tackles. His 7.5 tackles for loss are second on the team, as are his 4.0 sacks and four quarterback hurries. He's second among FBS freshmen in sacks and his 4.0 sacks have him No. 9 among freshman in school history.

His standout game this season was a seven-tackle, 3.0-TFL, 2.0-sack, one-forced fumble performance against Mississippi State. He also notched five-tackle games versus UTSA and Michigan.

There are a number of star freshmen (and as the list will show, redshirt freshmen) who are up for the honor. No Longhorn has won the award, and it may be a challenge for Simmons considering Trey Moore starts ahead of him.

To be considered one of the best true freshmen in college football, however, is a sign of bright things to come for the Duncanville (Texas) product.

Colin Simmons, EDGE, Texas

The other candidates in alphabetical order...

Ryan Williams, WR, Alabama

Jordan Seaton, OT, Colorado

KJ Bolden, S, Georgia

Isaac Brown, RB, Louisville

Kerry Brown, S, Minnesota

Koi Perich, S, Minnesota

Dylan Raiola, QB, Nebraska

Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State

Anthony Donkoh, OL, Penn State