Simpson was born in Rock Hill, South Carolina and attended Castle Heights Middle School and Rock Hill High School where he helped lead the team to a Class AAAA State Championship playing on both offense and defense.
He signed a letter of intent with South Carolina in 2003, but did not enroll until spring of 2004 under then head coach Lou Holtz.
Against Georgia, in only his second collegiate game, he intercepted a David Greene pass and returned it 57 yards for a touchdown.
He was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in the Gamecocks' win over Arkansas which included a fumble recovery returned 57 yards for a touchdown.
[1] His six interceptions led the Southeastern Conference and he was named Freshman of the Year in the SEC by the Associated Press,[3] becoming the first South Carolina player to ever win the award.