Ko Simpson attended Rock Hill High School in Rock Hill, South Carolina. His South Carolina teammate, Jonathan Joseph played for Rock Hill’s rival, Northwestern High School. Simpson helped Rock Hill to a state championship during his time there. As a junior he totaled 112 tackles, 4 interceptions and 6 pass break-ups on defense. On offense he played receiver and finished with 22 receptions for 525 yards and 4 touchdowns. Simpson wasn’t highly recruited out of high school, but he did sign with South Carolina in 2003. He didn’t enroll in school until the following spring. Simpson made an immediate impact for the Gamecocks, totaling 61 tackles as a freshman. He led the SEC with 6 interceptions his first year at South Carolina. He was named to the SEC all-freshman team, second team all-SEC, all-American, and SEC freshman of the year for his performance. His 6 interceptions were the most by a Gamecock safety in a single season since Miami Dolphin Arturo Freeman had 6 in 1997. Ko missed a good portion of spring practices in 2005 with an injury to his hand. His interception totals were down from his freshman season, with only 1 pick on the year, but he had a career high 8 pass break-ups and led the team in tackles with 103 on the year. Ko only played two seasons at South Carolina but since he signed with the Gamecocks in 2003 but didn’t play until 2004, he is three years removed from high school, making him eligible for the 2006 NFL draft.

Ko Simpson is one of the better all-around safety prospects in the nation. He has good size and quickness but lacks great timed speed. He has a real nose for the football and always seems to put himself in position to make a big play. He is a real “ballhawk” who led the SEC in interceptions as a freshman. In coverage he does a good job of reading the quarterback, has fluid hips, and good ball skills. Though he lacks great timed speed, Simpson displays good quickness and closing speed. Simpson is also a good run defender who takes proper angles to the ball carrier. He is a solid tackler but could be a little more physical against the run. Ko Simpson lacks a great deal of experience having only played two seasons at South Carolina. He is also older than you would expect a player with just two seasons under his belt to be. He is 22 years old now and will be a 23 year old rookie in the NFL. Ko is a very good all-around safety who still hasn’t reached his full potential. He should be one of the first safeties selected and a first or second round pick in the 2006 NFL draft.