For offensive lineman Torricelli Simpkins III, the draft may have ended, but his career is just getting started. Simpkins has agreed to an undrafted free agent deal with the New Orleans Saints, announcing the news on is social media account with confirmation from Nola.com.
After transferring from North Carolina Central prior to the 2024 season, Simpkins started all 13 games at right guard, racking up 854 snaps, the third most on the Gamecocks squad. He also posted a 81.0 pass-blocking grade during the regular season, the highest among South Carolina offensive linemen.
He also earned SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors twice, after the game against Texas A&M and Vanderbilt. Simpkins was also named to the All-SEC Third Team by both the SEC coaches and College Football Nation.
Furthermore, Simpkins posted a lengthy resume of accolades in his collegiate career:
2024 Third-Team All-SEC (Coaches, College Football Nation)
2024 Rex Enright Team Captain
2024 Co-Outstanding Student Athlete
2024 CSC Academic All-District
2024 SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll
2024 Gamecock Toughness Award – Offense
2023 Third-Team All-America (Stats Perform)
2023 First-Team HBCU All-America
2023 First-Team All-MEAC
2023 MEAC Offensive Lineman of the Year
2022 First-Team All-MEAC
2021 Third-Team All-MEAC (Phil Steele)
Now, Simpkins will look to take his championship mindset, both on and off the field, to New Orleans as he fights for a spot with the Saints.
