Ko Simpson

Infobox NFLactive


name=Ko Simpson
|width=
caption=
currentteam=Buffalo Bills
currentnumber=30
currentpositionplain=Safety
birthdate=birth date and age|1983|11|9
birthplace=Rock Hill, South Carolina
country=USA
heightft=6
heightin=1
weight=202
debutyear=2006
debutteam=Buffalo Bills
highlights=
* SEC Freshman of the Year (2004)
* 2x All-SEC (2004-2005)
* 2x All-American (2004-2005)
college=South Carolina
draftyear=2006
draftround=4
draftpick=105
pastteams=
* Buffalo Bills (2006-present)
statweek=17
statseason=2007
statlabel1=Tackles
statvalue1=77
statlabel2=Sacks
statvalue2=1.0
statlabel3=INT
statvalue3=2
nfl=SIM560277

Yukota "Ko" Simpson (born November 9, 1983 in Rock Hill, South Carolina) is an American football safety for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Bills in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at South Carolina.

Early life

Simpson was born in Rock Hill, South Carolina and attended Rock Hill High School where he helped lead the team to a Class AAAA State Championship playing on both offense and defense. He signed a letter of intent with South Carolina in 2003, but did not enroll until spring of 2004 under then head coach Lou Holtz.cite web |url=http://uscsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/simpson_ko00.html | title=Player Bio:Ko Simpson | publisher=University of South Carolina | author=Athletic Department | date= | accessdate=2006-11-02 ]

College career

In his freshman season, Simpson recorded 50 solo tackles, 11 assists and six interceptions. Against Georgia, in only his second collegiate game, he intercepted a David Greene pass and returned it 57 yards for a touchdown. He was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in the Gamecocks' win over Arkansas which included a fumble recovery returned 57 yards for a touchdown. His six interceptions led the Southeastern Conference and he was named Freshman of the Year in the SEC by the Associated Press,cite web |url=http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/120804/usc_secaward.shtml | title=Simpson named AP SEC freshman of the year | publisher=Associated Press | author=Iacobelli, Pete | date=2004-12-07 | accessdate=2006-11-02 ] the first winner ever for that award at Carolina.

As a sophomore, Simpson had 103 total tackles, two fumble returns and an interception. He was consensus All-SEC and named a Football Writers Association All-American.cite web |url=http://www.keepmedia.com/pubs/ColumbiaState/2006/05/01/1515370?extID=10037&oliID=229 | title=Simpson drops to 4th round | publisher=The State | author=Babb, Kent | date=2006-05-01 | accessdate=2006-11-02 ]

Professional career

Ko Simpson had recorded 77 tackles 1 FF and 2 INT in his 2006 rookie season. Against the Denver Broncos in week 1 of the 2007 season, he broke his left ankle after his feet were cut out from under him by teammate Jason Webster while making a tackle on Javon Walker. On September 11, 2007 Ko was placed on injured reserve, ending his 2007 campaign.

Personal life

Simpson and his girlfriend, Natasha Brice, are expecting their first child, a son, at the end of August. They will name him after Simpson, Yukota Ja’marr Simpson Jr. [http://www.thestate.com/sports/story/118408.html]

References