Jaylin Simpson

Early life

Simpson was born in Brunswick, Georgia and attended Frederica Academy. In Simpson's high school career he played both ways, primarily as a quarterback and defensive back. On offense he completed 147 out of his 282 pass attempts for 2,349 yards and 27 touchdowns to eight interceptions. Simpson also rushed for 1,286 yards and 17 touchdowns, while hauling in 39 receptions for 526 yards and seven touchdowns. On defense he notched 138 tackles with 12 going for a loss, 13 interceptions, six forced fumbles, and four defensive touchdowns.

Coming out of high school, Simpson was rated a four star defensive back. He committed to play college football at Auburn University over offers from Alabama, Clemson, Florida State, Georgia, and LSU.

College career

In Simpson's first career season in 2019, he had two tackles with half a tackle being for a loss. In the covid-shortened 2020 season, he made 14 tackles with one going for a loss, and he broke up three passes. In week nine of the 2021 season, Simpson recorded his first career interception, picking off a pass thrown by quarterback Matt Corral, as he helped Auburn beat #9 Ole Miss 31–20. He finished the 2021 season with 27 tackles with one being for a loss, three pass deflections, and an interception.

In week twelve of the 2022 season, he had a career performance where he broke up three passes and recorded an interception, as he helped the Tigers beat Western Kentucky 41–17. Simpson finished his 2022 season with 37 tackles, five pass deflections, and two interceptions. Over the 2022 offseason, Simpson switched his position from cornerback to safety.

Simpson opened the 2023 season strong as in week one, he had three tackles, a fumble recovery, and an interception which he returned 50 yards for a touchdown, as he helped Auburn dominate UMass 59–14. At the conclusion of the 2023 season he was named a member of the All-SEC first team.