Mississippi State DL Jeffery Simmons suffers ACL injury during draft workout

Feb. 13 (UPI) -- Mississippi State standout defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons suffered a torn ACL in his left knee over the weekend.

Simmons announced the news on social media Tuesday and offered an update on his knee. He was preparing for the 2019 NFL Draft in Boca Raton, Fla., when he sustained the major injury.

The projected first-round pick was going through routine position drills when he tore his ACL. Simmons confirmed he will undergo surgery next week and begin his rehab schedule.

"I am going to come back stronger and more determined than ever," Simmons wrote on Twitter. "If it is in God's will, no matter which team drafts me this April, I will work extremely hard to get healthy and become a leader in that organization."

The 21-year-old Simmons totaled 157 tackles, seven sacks, four forced fumbles and six passes defensed in three seasons at Mississippi State.

"As I demonstrated throughout my three years at Mississippi State, I pride myself on my work ethic, commitment and leadership on and off the field," Simmons said. "I will do the same at the next level, becoming the best teammate I can be and helping my teammates get better while I prepare to take the field."

Simmons, a potential top-10 pick, previously was barred from attending this year's NFL Scouting Combine after failing to meet the criteria under the NFL's policies.

Simmons was arrested in 2016 after an altercation with a woman. He was charged with simple assault and disturbing the peace and pleaded no contest.

The injury will likely impact Simmons' draft stock, potentially knocking him out of the first round.