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Simpkins signs with Green Bay Packers

CCU alumnus Maurice Simpkins signed a contract with the Green Bay Packers on Aug. 10. The linebacker from Leesville is an original member of Coastal Carolina's 2003 football team in its first year of NCAA competition. He has become the fifth CCU player who has made it to the NFL.

"It is a blessing, I am thankful to God, and I am looking to make the best of my opportunity," said Simpkins according to a press release from Simpkins' Indoor Football League team, the Green Bay Blizzard.

Simpkins (6'1, 236 lbs.) had an "outstanding year" with the Blizzard. He was named First Team All-IFL Defense. He had 126 total tackles, five sacks, five interceptions (two returned for touchdowns) three passes broken up and one forced fumble. Simpkins was the leader of the Blizzard defense all season long. He led the IFL in solo tackles with 85, but his most impressive stat was his league leading 10 blocked field goals. Simpkins was named the 2010 IFL Most Improved Player. 

In 2004, Maurice started all 11 games and earned First Team All-Big South Conference honors for the second consecutive season as a member of the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers. He led the Chanticleers for the second straight year in tackles with 78, including 41 solo tackles, also a team best. Maurice recorded nine tackles for loss (seventh in the conference), five sacks (tied for fourth in the league) and one interception. He had three games of 10 or more tackles, including a season-best 13 tackles with three sacks in the win over Jacksonville

In 2003, Simpkins was one of Coastal's first-ever First Team All-Big South players after leading CCU and ranking fourth in the Big South in tackles with 103. 

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