Joshua

Simon

Running a 4.65s 40-yard dash, Simon (6’4/239) was second-fastest among tight ends at the NFL Combine. He ranked No. 2 in both the broad jump and vertical jump, building out a formidable athletic profile. Simon spent four seasons at Western Kentucky, missing nearly all of his third with a knee injury. He transferred to South Carolina for two more seasons and caught 40 passes for 519 yards and seven touchdowns his final year. Simon’s smaller frame is not ideal for a tight end as a blocker, but he has the agility to be an impactful receiver. He profiles as a secondary pass-catching tight end at the next level. Though he won’t be a dominant blocker in the NFL, Simon’s athleticism gives him a chance at having an impact.

Simon (6'5/240) injured his knee during the Hilltoppers’ 59-21 win over UT-Martin last Friday. Before that, his presence was felt with three catches for 73 yards, including a 45-yard touchdown reception. Not having Simon would be a big blow for the Hilltoppers, who was the only tight end to play offense last week. If he’s out, redshirt Sophomore Joey Beljan and Oaklahoma transfer are the only two players with CFB experienced, along with freshmen Alex Williams and River Helms.

Simon (6'5/240) injured his knee during the Hilltoppers’ 59-21 win over UT-Martin on September 2, a game in which he caught three passes for 73 yards and two touchdowns. HC Tyson Helton said on Monday that he wasn’t sure if the sophomore tight end will be healthy enough to play in Saturday’s game against the Black Knights. Simon was the only tight end to see action against the Skyhawks, so if he can’t go Saturday, look to see his reps to be distributed amongst WKU’s available tight ends.

Simon (6'5/240) led the Hilltoppers in receptions, receiving yards and targets (six) in Saturday’s season-ending defeat. The sophomore tight end finishes the 2020 campaign with a receiving stat line of 33-370-3, boasting an average of more than ten yards per reception. Having caught at least two passes in nine of the Hilltoppers’ ten games, Simon stands to be even more productive in 2021.

Simon (6'5/235) had been an afterthought in the WKU offense after posting a solid freshman season of 30 receptions for 430 yards and four touchdowns last year. He recorded his highest yardage total of the year, as his 81 yards on the day eclipsed the sum yardage total of his previous four games combined. He caught a nice six-yard red-zone dart from QB Kevaris Thomas in the first-half for his second touchdown of the year. Simon will try to score two games in a row when he faces Chatanooga next Saturday.

Simon (6'5/235) emerged as a dependable target in the passing game during the Hilltoppers’s season opening win over Central Arkansas, and he managed to reach the end zone in four of WKU’s first five games. Unfortunately for the freshman he would not score a touchdown in the team’s final eight games, but he’s developed into a player who will figure prominently in the team’s plans moving forward. Simon finishes his freshman season with 30 receptions, 430 receiving yards and four touchdown catches.