Cedar Rapids Prairie alum JoJo Simpson becoming a D-line force for Upper Iowa football

FAYETTE — After a breakout sophomore season, it was all about getting better for JoJo Simpson.

The Upper Iowa defensive end and former Cedar Rapids Prairie prep football player dedicated his summer to the weight room, where he dropped 10 pounds and strengthened his upper body in order to fend off opposing offensive linemen.

'I think I'll have a quicker first step and hopefully I'll be able to get around the tackles faster and get to the quarterback,' said Simpson, who will help the Peacocks open their NCAA Division II football season Thursday at Minnesota Crookston at 4 p.m. '(Improve) my ability to use my hands and be more aggressive in the run game.'

Simpson had substantial success getting to the quarterback last season for the Peacocks.

The 6-foot, 254-pound junior displayed enough versatility to play either end on the defensive line, where he collected a team-high 5.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss.

Simpson also posted 32 tackles with an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery, which earned him a second-team spot on the Northern Sun Intercollegiate all-conference list.

Upper Iowa Coach Tom Shea believes last season offered a mere glimpse of what is coming for Simpson.

'More mature, he's more experienced,' Shea said. 'The more reps you get, the more you don't have to think when you play. You just play. That's his game right now. He just comes out and plays. He plays as hard as he can and he just does a great job. He's just physical and he's got a motor that doesn't stop.'

Sophomore linebacker Mitchel Siech and junior defensive back Jordan Romme are the top returning tacklers for the Upper Iowa defense.

On the offensive side of the ball, Shea and the Peacocks will be leaning on a couple of former area preps to improve upon last year's 26.8 scoring average.

Maquoketa Valley alum Ryan Parmely will shoulder more of the running-game load following the transfer of Derrick Portis, who will play for Ferris State (Mich.) this fall after rushing for 811 yards and eight touchdowns last season.

Parmely tallied 566 yards on the ground with five touchdowns as a 2016 sophomore.

In each of the past two seasons, Shea planned to redshirt quarterback Brent Lammers, but both times injuries forced the former West Delaware prep into the lineup.

This season, Lammers takes the reins at the opener.

'He's anxious,' Shea said. 'He's got a good arm. He's (got) a good head. He's just a heck of a competitor.'

Upper Iowa finished 3-8 last season, while Crookston was winless.

'I think guys got committed after last year's season because we really didn't play up to the level we could,' Simpson said. 'This year, it's been a huge emphasis on execution and playing as a team and everyone being on the same page. Hopefully on Thursday we can go out there and put it all together and have a good performance.'

l Comments: douglas.miles@thegazette.com