One of two returnees at the tight end position ? the only one who played the entire season in ?07 ... is a terrific blocker who will have the opportunity to showcase his pass-catching skills with the graduation of current ASU tight ends coach Nic Cardwell ... is also a key member of ASU’s special teams.

2007: Appeared in 14 games, making two starts in two tight-end sets ... caught one pass for 11 yards and made six tackles on the season ... saw significant time as a blocker in two tight-end sets ... made only catch of the season in win at Elon ... also had two tackles versus the Phoenix.

2006: Played in three games and made one tackle versus Mars Hill.

2005: Appeared in four games as a redshirt freshman, including playoff contests against Lafayette and Southern Illinois ... assisted on a tackle versus SIU ... made collegiate debut at Wofford.

2004: Redshirted.

Prep School: Played one season at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Va. ... coached by Robert Prunty.

High School: A four-year letterwinner at Tunstall High School ... racked up 108 tackles on defense and 10 yards per carry at running back as a senior ... named Tunstall’s most improved player in 2002 ... coached by Buddy Brown ... earned a pair of letters in both baseball and track and field ... was an all-state track performer in ?03.

Personal: Full name is Robert Brandon Simpkins ... born Nov. 5, 1984 (turns 23 during season) ... son of Angela and Thor Simpkins ... majoring in industrial technology and design.