Next big thing at Pahokee: DL Antonio Simpson

PAHOKEE – Listed at 6-foot-1, 220 pounds, we have perhaps the next Pahokee Blue Devils legend in our presence at this time.

Enter Antonio Simpson, who is looking to follow in the footsteps of DeeJay Holmes (Lou Groza Player of the Year in 2022; Class of 2023) and Latarie Kinsler (Class of 2020), among many others who have come before them all.

The defensive lineman is off to a great start, as he recorded the following statistics this past season as a sophomore:

•51 total tackles (30 solo)

•4 sacks

•1 interception

Check out my sophomore season highlights https://t.co/xLPECEqzAv @BrickByBrick_36 @Reese80 @PahokeeFootball @larryblustein 51 tackles, 22tfls, 11 qb hurries and 4 sacks.

— Antonio”Big 95”Simpson (@antoniosimpson_) December 7, 2023

Simpson’s best individual game of the season was in Week 5 at home against Palm Beach Gardens (34-18 win). He registered the following statistics for that one:

•9 tackles

•2 sacks

“My best game was against Palm Beach Gardens because as you know, we were heartbroken after Palm Beach Central came back on us and won (33-30 final score in overtime; Week 4),” Simpson said. “So that fueled us even more to go out there the next week and get the win. Our motto is to “DOMINATE””.

Simpson reflected on his sophomore season with the Blue Devils.

“To be honest last season was okay,” Simpson said. “But I loved that we as a team went out there and fought each week to become better on the field. I don’t think I could’ve done anything different for the team because there is no I in team. Like, I said we all contributed to the game each week.”

At this time, Simpson has no offers to speak of. But he does have interest from the likes of Penn State, Pitt, Missouri, FAU, and USF.

For the offseason, Simpson has been working on his craft as a defensive lineman.

“Well my main focus right now is getting big,” Simpson said. “I’m in the weight room Monday through Thursday with the team. After that, I go to the field to work with Coach Clint [Everett] and work on techniques or just run the bleachers with the team. But I most definitely need to work on being more explosive and violent with my hands.”

Simpson shared his aspirations for his upcoming junior year with Pahokee.

“My goals for the season are to become a better version of myself, do better than I was last year and become more of a leader/captain for the team,” Simpson said. “I really think we didn’t have more of that last year. But yeah, it’s gonna be a lot of old school coaching coming back. Stay tuned.”

PHOTO CREDITS: Alison Vilela and Drew Campbell