Simpson named AP SEC freshman of the year

COLUMBIA, S.C. - When South Carolina safety Ko Simpson got ready for his first college season, he hoped he could one day play like such Southeastern Conference standouts as Thomas Davis of Georgia, Junior Rosegreen of Auburn and Jason Allen of Tennessee.<br> <br> ``Now, I&#39;m right up there with them,&#39;&#39; Simpson said Tuesday.<br> <br> Simpson was named the freshman of the year the first ever at South Carolina in voting for SEC Awards by The Associated Press. Simpson also was named to the all-SEC second team.<br> <br> Simpson&#39;s six interceptions tied him for third nationally and he always seemed to be around the ball and ready to make something special happen.<br> <br> ``That&#39;s what I wanted to do this year, go out and make plays,&#39;&#39; he said.<br> <br> Against Georgia, Simpson picked off a pass by David Greene and brought it back for a 57-yard touchdown as the Gamecocks took a 16-0 lead. They would eventually fall, 20-16. But it wasn&#39;t because of Simpson. He finished with five tackles and broke up two other passes in the game.<br> <br> Simpson also switched momentum South Carolina&#39;s way several weeks later against Arkansas, scooping up a fumble and returning it 57 yards for a score that gave the Gamecocks a 21-17 lead.<br> <br> When the Razorbacks were driving one last time in the closing minutes and down 35-32, it was Simpson who intercepted Matt Jones to preserve South Carolina&#39;s bowl-qualifying sixth win.<br> <br> Not bad for the last signee of the 2003 class.<br> <br> Simpson, though, didn&#39;t enroll that fall, instead waiting until January 2004 and getting the chance to go through spring drills and mesh with the defense. He said older defensive backs like Fred Bennett, Jamacia Jackson and Jermaine Harris took him under their wings and prepared him for the SEC battles ahead.<br> <br> ``They said, &#39;You&#39;re not a freshman. You&#39;ve got to make plays,&#39; `` Simpson said. ``And I basically did.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> What&#39;s unusual for someone so good is Simpson&#39;s quiet nature. South Carolina&#39;s former coach, Lou Holtz, said in November he couldn&#39;t remember Simpson talking. ``He hasn&#39;t said two words to me since he&#39;s been here. &#39;Yes, sir. No, sir.&#39; That&#39;s it. But he is just unbelievable. He&#39;s spectacular,&#39;&#39; Holtz said.<br> <br> Simpson Ko is short for his given name of Yukota has never been one for flashy gestures or loud, taunting words. He stays within himself on the field and lets his big plays do his talking.<br> <br> Of his pick of Georgia&#39;s Greene, Simpson says, ``I was in the right place at the right time.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Of being the first Gamecock to win this honor, ``I&#39;m blessed.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> ``My mother always told me, &#39;Don&#39;t let this overwhelm you. Don&#39;t get carried away with it. Just keep a level head,&#39; `` he said. ``That&#39;s what I&#39;m doing.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Now, Simpson&#39;s waiting for new South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier to bring on a defensive coordinator and staff. Assistant David Reaves, who worked with safeties this season, was retained by Spurrier, but will work with quarterbacks next year.<br> <br> Spurrier was traveling to New York for a College Football Hall of Fame dinner and unavailable for comment.<br> <br> Simpson wants to add 10 pounds of muscle in the offseason and keep progressing with his defensive techniques. With another standout season, Simpson might get to show himself offensively as well. As a player at Rock Hill High, Simpson caught a touchdown pass in a state championship victory two years ago.<br> <br> Simpson brought it up jokingly to Spurrier. ``You never know, man,&#39;&#39; Simpson said, smiling.