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De'jour Simpson arms folded

Football Dave Lewis

Panthers add versatile OL De'jour Simpson

The Panthers have added flexibility to the offensive line with the signing for De'jour Simpson who played last season with Duke City.

"De'jour is a smart, competitive, versatile lineman with great game experience," said Head Coach Rob Keefe.  "We are excited to add an offensive lineman that is not only strong but has proven he can play multiple positions at the professional level."

Last season with the Gladiators, De'jour anchored the O-line at center but has  the ability to play anywhere on the line.  As a college player at North Carolina A&T, Simpson earned all-conference honors at left guard after transferring from Eastern Kentucky.  As a high school player in Charlotte, North Carolina, he won three straight 4AA state titles at Mallard Creek playing all five positions on the offensive line.

 "I've seen each concept.  From being the outside guy at tackle and being able to help on the double team, playing guard where I'm the power of the double team and looking for the linebacker and I played center for Duke City all of last year.  So I know I have to beat the nose to a certain spot or if I've got a big, heavier nose, how to cut him off….Once I learn my quarterback and running back, it will be perfect," said Simpson."

 De'jour's familiarity with the Panthers came in college, crossing paths with linebacker Wes Bowers, quarterback Felix Harper and offensive lineman Amari Catchings at the HBCU Legacy Bowl.  In particular, he and Bowers hit it off.

"I've been locked in with him.  We've been talking about everything Bay Area has going on," said De'jour.  "He's been the one keeping the good word in my ear about the team." 

De'jour had been on the team's radar with Keefe interested last year before De'jour signed with Duke City.  The admiration is mutual.

"Keefe told me that he loved me and knew about me and wanted me to be a part of the journey," said DeJour.  "Once he explained how everything was ready to take place as far as the living situation, how they take care of things there and how professional they are, I was ready to be a part of it." 

Coming out of college, De'jour spent a few weeks in the 2022 season with the Massachusetts Pirates before a season in Duke City.  Entering his pro season, De'jour has an understanding of the game's nuances and is ready to step in and be a factor.

"It's quite different from playing outdoors," said De'jour.  "You've got to be quicker with the shorter field and walls.  You've got to pay attention to your surroundings.  At the same time, the game is simpler with the offensive schemes—inside zone and outside zone with maybe one guy pulling.  I told him (Keefe) now that I've signed, I'm ready to hit the ground running when I get there. "   

Paula Rhodes Simpson was a fan of BET's Rap City, a showcase for hip hop videos with feature interviews and freestyles from popular rappers.  She would name her son after the host of the show from 1991-1994, Prince Dajour.  Mom is a huge part of Simpson's support system.  She coordinated the purchase of 72 tickets for the North Carolina A&T game at Duke and has always been the involved football mother.   Simpson uses that support for inspiration.  
 
"Wanting to be an example for my sisters (ages 13 and 15) has always been one of my biggest motivators and that's still something I want to do.  Also, just recently, I lost my great grandmother so she's going to be a big motivator for me.  It's a big part of my journey to keep me focused and motivated."   

Like many lineman, Simpson is a fan of Trent Williams.  The 49ers' star is a role model of what it takes to get to the next level.

"I think I need to get a little nastier," said Simpson.  "I've always tried to be the offensive lineman that's more finesse oriented with technique.  But I've seen watching the NFL and sometimes you just have to be that guy who can pick up someone and get them out of the way.  I've been doing a lot more power lifting to get stronger.  Whoever lines up across from me, I want him to know I can beat him to the spot or I can just pick him up and get him out of the way if I want to. "   
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Bay Area Panthers 2024 Home Schedule
 
Sunday, March 31, 3:05 p.m. v. Arizona
Saturday, April 20, 6:05 p.m. v. San Diego
Saturday, May 4, 6:05 p.m. v. Vegas
Saturday, May 25, 6:05 p.m. v. San Antonio
Saturday, June 8, 6:05 p.m.  v. Tucson
Sunday, June 16, 3:05 p.m. v. San Diego
Sunday, July 7, 3:05 p.m. v. Northern Arizona
Saturday, July 13, 6:05 p.m. v. Duke City
 
For 2024 season tickets to watch the defending IFL Champions click HERE

 
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Players Mentioned

Wes Bowers

#33 Wes Bowers

LB
6' 0"
1
Rookie
Amari Catchings

#79 Amari Catchings

OL
6' 4"
1
Rookie
Felix Harper

#6 Felix Harper

QB
5' 11"
1

Players Mentioned

Wes Bowers

#33 Wes Bowers

6' 0"
1
Rookie
LB
Amari Catchings

#79 Amari Catchings

6' 4"
1
Rookie
OL
Felix Harper

#6 Felix Harper

5' 11"
1
QB