Kendrick Simpkins

Defensive back Kendrick Simpkins (16) of the WKU Hilltoppers at FAU Stadium on November 26, 2022 in Boca Raton, FL. Photo by Steve Roberts/WKU Athletics

Photo by: Steve Roberts/WKU Athletics

Height:
6-0
Class:
Junior
Hometown:
Montgomery, Ala.
High School:
Robert E. Lee HS

2023 All-Conference USA Second Team (DB)

2023 (Jr.) | 12/11: Simpkins played in 12 of WKU's 13 games during the 2023 season, starting 11 of those at strong safety. He finished the year third on the team with 52 total tackles, including 11 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. Simpkins tallied four forced fumbles, eight quarterback hurries, and one pass breakup. Simpkin's 7.5 sacks ranked first on the team, as well as third overall in Conference USA and first nationally by a defensive back. His four forced fumbles led the Hilltoppers – he was the only player on the team with multiple forced fumbles in 2023 – and were second in CUSA and tied for fifth nationally. Simpkins posted season highs of six tackles on three occassions – against Houston Christian on Sept. 9, at Jax State on Oct. 17, and against New Mexico State on Nov. 11. He had two tackles for loss in two games – against HCU and at Troy on Sept. 23 – and posted 1.5 sacks in the season opener at South Florida on Sept. 2 and against Sam Houston on Nov. 18. He also had a season-high three quarterback hurries at Troy. Simpkins was named All-Conference USA Second Team as a defensive back.

2022 (So.) | 12/9: Simpkins played in 12 games for the Hilltoppers on the season while making nine starts. He totaled 42 tackles for the year, including one for loss at Auburn. In WKU's home finale against Rice, Simpkins picked off the first pass of his career. He would also break up three additional passes throughout the course of the season. He made a season-high five tackles in WKU's homecoming game against North Texas.

2021 (Fr.) | 12/1: Simpkins appeared in 12 of WKU's 14 games and made 1 start during the team's Conference USA East Division Championship season. He made 21 tackles and broke up three passes throughout the year. Simpkins recorded a season-high seven tackles in WKU's victory over Charlotte.

2020 (Fr.) | 6/0: Simpkins played in six games in his first season on The Hill, recording five tackles and a pass brekaup. Played a majority of the game at safety at #10/11 BYU after starter Devon Key was ejected due to targeting and posted three tackles and a pass breakup. Also saw time on special teams coverage units, where he contributed two tackles. He will retain his freshman year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

HS/Misc.: Simpkins helped led Robert E. Lee HS to a 7-3 record as a senior. Rated as a three-star recruit by ESPN, 247Sports and Rivals. Received an 85 grade from 247Sports, which ranked 43rd in the state of Alabama. Chose WKU over others such as Kansas, Nebraska and Tennessee.