The 2023 season was a banner year for this future MTSU Blue Raider as Simpson-Smith was a one man wrecking crew on both sides of the ball that helped lead his Firebirds squad to the Class 4A state title. From a production standpoint, Simpson-Smith dominated the field at running back where he had 997 yards and 16 punishing touchdowns while also putting up huge numbers on defense with 122 tackles, 34 tackles for loss and six sacks. Simpson–Smith was a force this season for his Pearl Cohn team that could not leave the field. That’s how good he was and how much he was needed. This player of the year honor was most definitely earned and I will be excited to watch how his talents translate to the next level and how much he progresses during his time at MTSU.

It was a breakout 2023 season for Simpson-Smith as he now sits as one of the best available defensive prospects we have left from our #TN2024 class. The Firebirds defensive standout displayed his best football year yet by becoming the team’s top rusher on offense and a versatile guy on defense that mainly played inside backer but could be moved into a variety of spots. Looking into his future, Simpson-Smith has the look and game play of an edge linebacker/defensive end that plays in the backfield against the pass while using his physicality to help stop the run. All those traits above as well as his strong work ethic are reasons why this Nashville area defender moved up into the #PRZTN Top 100 and sits as one of the hottest recruits in the state for our senior class.

It’s been an excellent ride this season for this Mid-Tennessee big man who finished off his stellar year in the Class 4A state title as he earned MVP honors in his team’s 36-27 championship victory over Upperman. Going both ways for his Firebirds team, Simpson-Smith was a warrior on Saturday morning as he handled the main role at running back where he put up over 140 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns while also producing 9 tackles on defense. It was an impressive performance for Simpson-Smith where he was running over and around defenders, being that X-factor that pushed the Firebirds towards the 4A title. His stock was already on the rise but this MVP performance might take his recruitment even further with possible D1 schools looking harder at this Nashville area prospect.

Zeion Simpson-Smith Zeion Simpson-Smith 6'2" | 235 lbs | DL Pearl-Cohn | 2024 State TN is a beast on both side of the ball for Pearl Cohn High School. On defense, he plays off ball linebacker and shows excellent instincts vs the run. Good understanding of run concepts with nice lateral range while in pursuit. In coverage, he keys and diagnose the QB’s eyes with solid underneath zone awareness. On offense, when he gets the ball, he punishes defenders with play strength and is very difficult to bring down.

Flexibility and quickness allow him to work his way through traffic to the ball carrier when playing between the tackles. Gets good extension when playing off blocks and holds the point of attack better than his size would suggest. Smooth, good athlete who is capable of getting to the edge and chasing down ballcarriers on outside rushing attempts, sweeps, etc.; shows a solid motor in pursuit. Reliable tackler with a relatively wide radius; has missed fewer than ten percent of his career attempts. Shows quick feet and solid balance when dropping into coverage. Able to carry backs out into the flats or downfield on wheel routes. Uses his length effectively to feel routes developing.