Brody Simpkins – LB/DE

Scouting Report

Brody is running back with big-play shiftiness and explosiveness. Has a style that translates very well to the college level and he is physically ready to contribute. Possesses great body structure and a compact, solidly-built frame that can absorb punishment — and dish it out. Has a good burst with top-end speed, but he can still take it the distance or break off a big gainer on any carry. Runs with patience until he finds the downhill seam, then he turns it on. Flashes great pop and explosion through the hole with quick feet and sudden change-of-direction and jump-cut in tight spaces to avoid tacklers. Rare combination at high school level: lateral agility and quickness to bounce out of a cloudy hole with the burst to get the corner when needed. Very difficult to line up for a direct shot through traffic and when defenders do, he is extremely difficult to take down. His legs and body never stop on contact. Low center of gravity, impressive power-base and balance allows him to absorb a hit and keep his body and legs driving forward. A hard runner who will initiate contact in a bruising, aggressive style that will wear down a defense and make smaller back-seven defenders think twice about coming up to tackle him. Consistently falls forward with his great momentum and finishes runs. Has a big-play element to his game as well. Gets through tight in-line seams quickly allowing him to split closing defenders and burst frequent runs into big, open field gainers. Reaches top speed quickly and is a sharp speed cutter who gears down little avoiding tacklers while keeping downhill momentum and following the shortest distance to the goal line. Flashes good top-end speed — has that elite second gear that colleges are looking for. Overall, Brody has good receiving skills, is a solid blocker and strong downhill runner who combines great power and footwork for optimum production. A every-down back who should have a prolific college career.