Shane Simpson
Running Back / Towson
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Shane Simpson: I am 5’9, 207 and I ran a 4.42 last summer.
Alex Khvatov: How did you prepare for the 2020 season with no offseason training?
Shane Simpson: I am actually very thankful that the training facility has been open. I haven’t missed a bit. It is Matryx training facility in Allentown, PA. It is about twenty minutes from my home. We should get back to the weight room at the school on July 6th.
Alex Khvatov: Tell me about your recovery process so far.
Shane Simpson: This type of injury takes about six months to a year. But I have always been above schedule when it comes to injuries. I had to keep a positive mindset. I am stronger than I was before. Coming back from a torn ACL is more mental more than anything. The physical stuff comes with time.
Alex Khvatov: What can we expect from Towson this upcoming season?
Shane Simpson: We definitely have to get back to where we were before. We believe that we will do very well.
Alex Khvatov: Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?
Shane Simpson: I ran track and played basketball. I ran the 100m, 200m, 4x100m relay, and 4x400m relay. I went to state competition my freshman, junior, and senior year. I medaled in the 100m. I came in sixth my junior year. I was born in Jersey and I was part of the Jaguars famous track club. I started when I was six years old. I moved to PA when I was eight or nine years old. I loved track growing up.
Alex Khvatov: What positions did you play in high school?
Shane Simpson: Receiver, RB, corner, safety, kick returner and punt returner. I had looks and offers for DB, but I wanted to play RB.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Shane Simpson: I was getting heavily recruited by Penn State, Wisconsin, Auburn and Florida since my freshman year. I got my first offer after my junior year. My grades weren’t as good as they were supposed to be. I take the blame for it. I had Towson, most of the CAA schools, JMU, Akron, and Old Dominion. I definitely wanted to get out of PA.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose Towson?
Shane Simpson: It was family-oriented. I meshed with the guys. It was a real running back university. Terrance West was drafted in the third round by the Browns. We had Darius Victor before me. I am just following in their footsteps.
Alex Khvatov: How would you describe your overall career?
Shane Simpson: I am a three-time All-CAA selection at RB, punt and kick returner. I am a special teams’ player of the year. I was a two time All-American on multiple sites. I was on Walter Payton Watch List and on Senior Bowl watch list. I had over 2,000 all-purpose yards in 2018. In 2018, we lost in the first round of the playoffs. We actually took second place in the conference that year.
Alex Khvatov: How much pride do you take in being able to impact the game in multiple ways on the football field?
Shane Simpson: I can do a variety of things. I can line up in the slot or outside as a receiver. I can return punts and kicks. I can catch the ball. I will do anything to impact the game. I am there to help the team.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Shane Simpson: I am a versatile RB. I bring speed, elusiveness and vision. I am able to make the first guy miss. I can play any position.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Shane Simpson: Pass blocking can always be improved. I need to prove that I can stay healthy.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Shane Simpson: Going up to Villanova in 2018. I am from PA, and they were ranked No.10 in the nation. No one gave us a shot, and we destroyed them in that game.
Alex Khvatov: What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff?
Shane Simpson: Without struggle, there is no progress. You have to go through adversity in order to have success.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Shane Simpson: NY Giants from my birth. I was a big Tiki Barber fan.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Shane Simpson: My all-time favorite is L.T. (LaDainian Tomlinson). Now it is Saquon Barkley. We played against each other in high school.
Alex Khvatov: Which RB do you try to model your game after?
Shane Simpson: I watch film on the past and the present running backs. L.T., Reggie Bush, LeSean McCoy, Alvin Kamara, and Christian McCaffrey. I like LeVeon Bell with his patience.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for this upcoming season?
Shane Simpson: Ron Johnson, Ricky DeBerry, Demarcus Gilmore, LG Aaron Grzymkowski, and S.J. Brown.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Shane Simpson: Delaware safety Nasir Adderley, LB Jermaine Carter from Maryland, DL Ron’Dell Carter from James Madison, and Villanova DL Tanoh Kpassagnon who is with the Chiefs now.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a RB?
Shane Simpson: Being coachable.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Shane Simpson: The brotherhood and competitiveness.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Shane Simpson: Actually working out and staying in shape. Also watching movies and playing video games.
Alex Khvatov: What sets you a part from the rest of running backs?
Shane Simpson: Versatility. No one in the country is as versatile as I am. I can line up anywhere. I came to college as a WR.
Alex Khvatov: What is your definition of a leader?
Shane Simpson: I was a captain in 2018 and 2019. Being accountable on and off the field.
Alex Khvatov: What makes you unique?
Shane Simpson: I am goofy and silly. I am never serious unless I am on the field. I like to dance. I like Jersey club dancing.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Shane Simpson: I graduated in sports management with a minor in business. After I am done with football, I want to be a trainer or a coach.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Shane Simpson: Dedicated, leader, competitive, God-fearing, and goofy.
