Torricelli Simpkins III Ready to Make His Mark at the NFL Scouting Combine
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Torricelli Simpkins III hasn’t forgotten his roots. As the South Carolina guard gears up for the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, he reflects on his football journey—one that began in Charlotte at Olympic High School.
From head coach Brandon Thompson to mentors like Jason Fowler, Rashad Graham, Britt Leggett, and Cam Ray, Simpkins credits those who shaped him into the player he is today.
“Those coaches helped me get to this level and become the player that I am today,” Simpkins told The Observer. “It means a lot, being able to show all the work they put into me is paying off.”
From HBCU Star to SEC Standout
Simpkins’ college career started at N.C. Central, where the 6-foot-5, 308-pound lineman dominated as a standout center for three seasons. But questions about how he’d perform against top-tier competition led him to the SEC, where he became South Carolina’s starting right guard in 2024.
“I love Central. It’s a great place and my first (football) home,” Simpkins said. “But in the SEC, everybody was my size. Every snap was a challenge. You can’t take plays off, or you’ll get embarrassed.”
Simpkins quickly proved he belonged, bringing his trademark physicality and relentless energy to the field.
“You have to be very physical, and that’s what I love to do,” he said. “Playing physical is my forte.”
Adjusting to the Speed of the SEC
While his strength was never in doubt, Simpkins had to adjust to the speed and complexity of SEC defenses. Unlike at the HBCU level, defensive fronts in the SEC are constantly shifting, forcing him to adapt quickly.
He credits Gamecocks offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley for helping him refine his technique, preparing him for NFL-caliber stunts and blitzes. Simpkins has also been training with former Baltimore Ravens and New Orleans Saints lineman Ben Grubbs to fine-tune his approach.
A Student of the Game
Simpkins, who aspires to be a marine biologist after football, has embraced learning from multiple coaching styles.
“I take coaching seriously and adapt to what’s needed,” he said. “At the next level, I’ll learn from veteran teammates, because they’ve been there. I want to soak up as much as I can.”
NFL Draft Outlook
One of six Charlotte-area prospects heading to the combine, Simpkins is eager to showcase his athleticism and versatility to NFL scouts.
“I just want to show that I can move—be a big guy that moves well,” he said. “And in interviews, I want to keep getting my name out there and boost my draft stock.”
Simpkins models his game after NFL stars Elgton Jenkins, Quenton Nelson, and Trent Williams, aiming to blend versatility, physicality, and elite technique into his own style.
“I bring energy. I’m going to get that pancake block, that knockdown that fires up my O-line,” Simpkins said. “I compete with my teammates—who gets more pancake blocks? Who dominates more? It’s about bringing out the best in everyone.”
The NFL Scouting Combine kicks off Feb. 27 and runs through March 3, airing live on NFL Network. With his combination of power, agility, and competitive fire, Torricelli Simpkins III is ready to prove he belongs on Sundays.
