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2021 NFL Draft RB Shane Simpson transfers to Virginia to help stock

By Cory Kinnan

MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 30: A general view of the Virginia Cavaliers helmet used for the Capital One Orange Bowl against the Florida Gators at Hard Rock Stadium on December 30, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 30: A general view of the Virginia Cavaliers helmet used for the Capital One Orange Bowl against the Florida Gators at Hard Rock Stadium on December 30, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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Shane Simpson has transferred to Virginia to boost his 2021 NFL Draft stock.

This year’s college football season will be drastically different from any other year for a variety of reason. One of which is because of the pandemic, but another reason with further longevity is the growing use of the transfer portal. Today, former Towson running back Shane Simpson has transferred to Virginia in hopes of propelling his 2021 NFL Draft stock.

This is the second big transfer the Cavaliers have landed over the past few weeks after landing former Central Michigan tight end Tony Poljan made Virginia his destination as well. With a star-studded defense including linebacker Charles Snowden, safety Joey Blount, cornerbacks Nick Grant and De’Vante Cross and more, they will now get a boost to their offense after losing Bryce Perkins a year ago.

Overcoming a steep injury history at Towson

Now entering his final year of collegiate, Simpson is entering his sixth season of college ball after five years with Towson. Getting a couple of injury waivers, Simpson has been given another year of eligibility after playing just three games a year ago.

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He has had three seasons of five games or less, and just two full seasons under his belt. As he makes the jump to the power five and to Charlottesville, Virginia, Simpson hopes for a season of full health with the 2021 NFL Draft right around the corner.

While an injury history like Simpson’s certainly puts him at a disadvantage, he is on the same track as David Johnson was in the 2015 NFL Draft after five seasons at the University of Northern Iowa.

Looking at Simpson’s production thus far

While Simpson has yet to rush for 1,000 yards in his career, he has a clear path to the top of the depth chart with the Cavaliers. He heads to the FBS with close to 2,000 career yards rushing thus far and 13 touchdowns on the ground in his career.

A bit of a dual threat, Simpson was coming off a career high in 2018 before missing the majority of the 2019 season. In 2018, Simpson rushed for 711 yards on the ground and six scores. Additionally, he caught 39 passes out of the backfield for 356 yards and five more touchdowns as a receiver out of the backfield.

Next. 2021 NFL Mock Draft to kick off training camp. dark

As Simpson is now on the move with the 2021 NFL Draft on the horizon for him, a change of scenery with the Cavaliers was the obvious move. Hoping for full health in 2020, Shane Simpson has the opportunity to see his stock take a massive increase this season.

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