Jan. 4, 2005

Columbia, S.C. – Ko Simpson, South Carolina’s standout rookie free safety, has been chosen first-team Freshman All-America by the Football Writers Association of America. The national organization announced its team at its annual awards breakfast in Miami, site of the BCS National Championship Game, on Tuesday.

Simpson, a true freshman from Rock Hill, S.C., was named Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Year last month by the Associated Press. He had a league-leading six interceptions, to go along with his 61 total tackles (second best on the team) and a team-best six pass deflections. Simpson returned an interception 57 yards for a touchdown vs. Georgia and also returned a fumble 57 yards for a touchdown vs. Arkansas.