At NFL Combine, South Carolina's Torricelli Simpkins explains "the best thing possible" for offensive line success

South Carolina football captain Torricelli Simpkins was the lone representative from the Gamecock offensive line at the NFL Combine this week. Despite two other seniors (Vershon Lee and Kamaar Bell) having NFL dreams, as well, Simpkins was the one tasked with representing the offensive front from USC.

With impressive interviews and a few strong testing numbers, Simpkins had a pretty good showing in Indianapolis. He also measured in a little bigger than some expected at 6-4.5 and 312 pounds.

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While at the combine, Simpkins was asked to explain what he thought was the most important trait for offensive linemen (aside from the obvious answers like size and blocking ability). He cheated a bit with his answer.

“I want to say physicality so bad…but I want to say communication,” Simpkins replied. “Like, the way you communicate with your offensive line, that’s going to lead you a whole lot. It’s going to help you so much. The way you communicate with your offensive line, the way y’all talk to each other, and making sure everyone is on their assignment, that’s the best thing possible for [an offensive lineman].” He couldn’t resist getting his second answer in, though. “Obviously, that and being physical, too. I’ve got to say physical.”

Simpkins’ answer makes sense after the 2024 South Carolina football season. Early in the year, the Gamecocks didn’t look as physical as they would have liked early in the year. Communication up front wasn’t it’s best, either, as USC allowed several pass rushers to go unabated on their way to the quarterback.

Around the midway point of the season, though, Lonnie Teasley’s group improved on both fronts. Not coincidentally, South Carolina went on a six-game winning streak to close the regular season. The offensive line unit played much better down the stretch.

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Simpkins has earned several late-round projections regarding his NFL Draft future. If taken in this year’s draft, he could help make some Gamecock history. South Carolina has never had more than seven players selected in a single draft (they had seven in both 2009 and 2013).

This year, Shane Beamer’s team should beat that record. Six players (Nick Emmanwori, TJ Sanders, Kyle Kennard, Demetrius Knight, Rocket Sanders, and O’Donnell Fortune) are viewed as draft locks or close to it. A long list of other players, including Simpkins, are on the NFL Draft radar and could earn late-round selections. 12 total Gamecocks participated in this year’s NFL Combine.

South Carolina’s Pro Day will be later this March. The NFL Draft will take place from April 24th to April 26th.

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