Transfer Torricelli Simpkins already turning heads as one of toughest Gamecocks

Torricelli Simpkins III wanted more.

In 2022, the Charlotte native was a first-team all-conference selection as a redshirt sophomore at North Carolina Central. He followed that up with being a first-team HBCU All-American and conference Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2023.

But he still wanted more.

That led to Simpkins hitting the transfer portal and committing to South Carolina after last season. He reported to USC in January and has done his best to turn heads since that time.

“Coming in from an HBCU like North Carolina Central, I knew I was going to have to have a chip on my shoulder and prove that I can play at this level,” Simpkins said. “There was a lot of doubt if I could play and have enough skill to compete in the SEC. I wanted to show that I was ready to compete with anybody that is lined up across from me. That has been my motivation. I want to prove it to anybody that is doubting me.”

The signing of Simpkins probably went a little under the radar and wasn’t celebrated as much as, say, running back Rocket Sanders coming over from Arkansas. But offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley is more than pleased.

“It’s his mindset and the way he approaches practice and the way he trains,” Teasley said. “He’s a very upbeat and fiery guy and he practices like that. He’s caught people’s eye early on. He’s always got energy. It’s good to have him here.

“We plan on him contributing for us. He’s doing good things. ... He’s done a job and put himself in position to be a contributor.”

The South Carolina offensive line was much maligned last season. The Gamecocks couldn’t run the ball with much success and QB Spencer Rattler stayed on the run all too often. Most of the players who saw significant playing time returned from last season, but that didn’t deter Simpkins.

Simpkins made an almost immediate impression and earned the Gamecock Toughness Award in the spring, and that might be just what someone playing along the offensive line needed.

“Getting that toughness award meant a lot to me,” Simpkins said, smiling.

Simpkins didn’t transfer to South Carolina to sit out his final season. After redshirting in 2020 because NCCU didn’t field a football team due to the COVID pandemic, the Olympic High School standout has been a three-year college starter.

Disregarding the level of competition, Simpkins said the biggest changes from being at an HBCU and in the SEC are the training opportunities and facilities. The 6-foot-5, 319-pounder has transformed his body somewhat in just eight months. He went from 27% body fat down to 23%.

“The resources we have here make it to where you have everything you need to be successful. You can get work in any time you want to,” he said. “My body has changed a lot. I’m getting a lot more muscle mass. That is a big part of me being able to move better and be able to get stronger.”