When he entered the transfer portal in January, then-Coastal Carolina running back Ja’Vin Simpkins knew he had the resume and skill set to earn an opportunity elsewhere.
There was only one problem: Simpkins officially hit the portal on Jan. 10, over a month after the Early Signing Period.
“I didn’t know what I was gonna be getting because, as I learned in high school, spots fill up super quick,” Simpkins told Legacy Library. “So the later you wait, the lower chance that you have to pick a school.”
Simpkins, a Miami Norland (Fla.) standout, initially signed with Coastal Carolina in February 2023 in what was widely considered a steal for the Chanticleers. At the time, 247 Sports considered him the nation’s No. 32 running back and No. 87 player in Florida. ESPN viewed Simpkins as a 4-star prospect and the No. 30 running back.
Back then, though, Simpkins had several months to decide whether he wanted to play in college. He held official offers from at least 11 Power 4 schools, including Ole Miss, Indiana, and Texas.
Thankfully for Simpkins, he wasn’t in the portal for long. He signed with Alex Mortensen’s UAB Blazers only eight days later, joining a program that has had six winning seasons since 2017.
“It went pretty quickly, but it was for sure stressful because I got in so late,” Simpkins told Legacy Library.
The 5-foot-8, 185-pound Simpkins led Coastal Carolina with 591 rushing yards last year. UAB lists Simpkins as a redshirt junior, and he has two seasons of eligibility remaining; an undisclosed injury limited him to only three games in 2024, allowing him to redshirt.
The Blazers need Simpkins to prove exactly why he drew the attention of national championship contenders while in high school. UAB is 11-25 since moving to the American Athletic Conference in 2023.
UAB opens its 2026 campaign against Illinois on Sept. 3, and Simpkins plans to justify the Blazers’ investment.
“I’ve given my life to this sport,” Simpkins said. “I’m 21; I’ve been playing this sport for 18 years. I’ve just been a hard worker, and I’ve literally dedicated everything I’ve had to this game.
“So whenever I do hang up the cleats,” Simpkins continued, “I hope people can understand and see that about me.”
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