South Carolina tight end Josh Simon explains how his transfer to USC helped ready him for the NFL
South Carolina tight end Josh Simon arrived in Columbia ahead of the 2023 season as one of three transfers at the position. He leaves as a record holder and also as a potential NFL Draft pick.
During the 2024 season, Simon set an all-time, single-season Gamecock record for tight end touchdown receptions. His seventh TD came in the Citrus Bowl and moved Simon past Clyde Bennett’s All-American 1953 season.
Now, Simon is at the NFL Combine. On Thursday, he spent some time speaking with the media and reflected on his time with the Gamecocks.
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When asked about his move from Western Kentucky to South Carolina, Simon could only express gratitude. “I’m grateful for it, man. I learned early on a lot about the game of football…it just opened my eyes to everything you can do as a tight end,” he said. “When I got to South Carolina, we ran a pro-style offense with (offensive coordinator) Coach Loggains. That was something I hadn’t done at Western Kentucky in all of my college career–just all the things he allowed me to do formationally and with route-running and in the run game.”
With the Gamecocks, Simon developed from a group of five conference player into a future NFL tight end.
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As a pass-catcher, the Dalzell, South Carolina native said his route-running improved at USC. He became especially adept at faking defenders into thinking he was blocking before leaking out for routes. His big touchdown against Oklahoma was one example of this.
In the run game, Coach Loggains and the offensive staff liked to utilize Simon as a blocker, as well. Tight ends coach Shawn Elliott had to be pleased with a de-cleating block like this one against Old Dominion.
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While speaking to the media, Simon took the opportunity to hype up some former teammates, as well. Listing off “Jalon Kilgore, Judge Collier, Vicari Swain…Big Tree (Babalade), Josiah Thompson, Trovon Baugh, LaNorris (Sellers), Jawarn Howell…Mazeo (Bennett), Nyck (Harbor),” Simon–like fellow NFL Combine attendee Demetrius Knight–made it clear he thinks his former team still has a bright future.
On Friday, Simon will hit the field at Lucas Oil Stadium for drills and workouts. If he has a good day, he could play himself into solid NFL Draft position. Whether he comes off the board during the draft or signs as an undrafted free agent, Simon will become the fourth Gamecock tight end in the NFL. Nick Muse won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles this season, Hayden Hurst is heading into year eight as a pro, and Nate Adkins is a rotational piece for the Denver Broncos. Trey Knox played part of last season with the Minnesota Vikings but is a free agent.
