Auburn has many players with big personalities, but none bigger than that of senior defensive back Jaylin Simpson.
Simpson is one of the more outspoken players on the Auburn roster. Additionally, it is difficult to outwork him. Where does that drive to succeed come from?
There are likely many factors that make Simpson the player that he is, but one of them may seem out of the box.
Plankton from the Nickelodeon show "SpongeBob" has one goal in mind: steal the Krabby Patty Formula. Simpson calls that "Plankton Mentality."
"Since I've been knowing Plankton, dude just has one goal, to get that Krabby Patty Formula," Simpson said. "I just feel like he don't stop, every episode he's on it. So I'm just like man, we got to get that Plankton Mentality every game. We gotta get that formula every game."
Plankton's biggest enemy is Mr. Krabs. Simpson has been comparing the opponent's quarterback to Mr. Krabs each week.
"Everybody," Simpson said. "Will (Rogers), to (Jaylen) Milroe, to whoever is after that. Plankton mentality the rest of the way."
Simpson appears to be taking his own message to heart during the dominant season he is having. The Brunswick, Ga. native has logged 17 tackles, four interceptions and two pass deflections.
Simpson has been a difference-maker on and off the field for the Tigers in 2023. "Plankton Mentality" might have some validity after all.
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