Simba Gwashavanhu

Class:
Freshman
Hometown:
Gaithersburg, Md.
Position:
Wide Receiver
Height:
6-1
Weight:
180
High School:
Gaithersburg
Major:
History & Sociology

AT DELAWARE
Fifth-year team member who was a part-time starter and a key part of the UD defensive secondary and special teams unit • played in 31 career games with 12 starts and registered 93 tackles (59 solo) • had 2.5 sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss to go with four forced fumbles, two interceptions, and seven pass breakups • rallied to become a key player for the Delaware defensive unit after several injury-plagued seasons • athletic, hard-hitting safety with good size • was one of 10 seniors on the squad.

2016 SEASON (GAME BY GAME STATISTICS)
Had a solid senior season with the Blue Hens as he played in nine games and started the final three contests at safety • missed the Maine and William & Mary games at mid-season • key backup for beginning of season before moving into starting role late in the year • registered 38 tackles (24 solo) to rank sixth on the team • posted 25 tackles over the final three games, including a career-high nine in his college finale vs. Villanova and eight each against Albany and Richmond • had a sack for 14 yards vs. Albany • had three pass breakups on the season.

2015 SEASON (GAME BY GAME STATISTICS)
Played a key role in secondary and on special teams as a junior • backup strong safety behind Ray Jones, saw action in nickle defenses, and covered kicks on special teams • saw action in 10 games • did not play in season opener vs. Jacksonville • recorded 25 tackles, including 14 solo stops, and tied for team lead with two interceptions (ranked 12th in CAA at 0.2 per game) • also had two pass breakups and recovered a fumble • had career-high six tackles vs. Albany and added four against North Carolina • intercepted passes in consecutive games vs. New Hampshire and Towson at mid-season, becoming just second player since 2001 to accomplish feat • recovered a fumble vs. Lafayette • Blue Hen Touchdown Club Defensive Player of the Week vs. Albany • part of a unit that ranked No. 5 in the Colonial Athletic Association and 24th in the NCAA in total defense (329.2) and was No. 3 in scoring defense (20.5/22nd in NCAA) • chosen to carry out the U.S. Flag vs. Towson.

2014 SEASON
After suffering through injuries his first two seasons, finally got on the field as a sophomore and made a strong impact for UD defense • following a strong spring, played in all 12 games and started contests vs. Sacred Heart, Elon, and New Hampshire • recorded 30 tackles, including 21 solo stops, and added three forced fumbles and five pass breakups • led team in forced fumbles and was third in pass breakups • had career-high five tackles each vs. James Madison and New Hampshire and had four in collegiate debut vs. Pitt to earn Blue Hen Touchdown Club Defensive Player of the Week honors • forced fumbles vs. Pitt, Delaware State, and Sacred Heart • helped unit rank No. 4 in the CAA in pass defense, allowing 197.2 yards per game.

2013 SEASON
Did not see action as a redshirt freshman due to an injury suffered in spring drills • switched over from wide receiver to safety in spring prior to the injury.

2012 SEASON
Did not see game action and retained freshman eligibility • played wide receiver on scout team.

HIGH SCHOOL
Standout wide receiver and defensive back at Gaithersburg High School for head coach Kreg Kephar • consensus All-State performer as a senior, earning first team Big School honors • earned second team All-Metro honors by the Washington Post as a senior • started at wide receiver in Maryland Crab Bowl Game.

PERSONAL
Simbarashe "Simba" Gwashavanhu ("gwash-uh-vahn-who") • born Jan. 17, 1994 in Zimbabwe • also lived for a period of time in China • son of Wilbert and Ruth Gwashavanhu • one of five children • history and sociology major at Delaware.

CAREER STATISTICS

Year	G/S	Tackles (Solo)	Sacks/TFL	FR/FF	Int./PD
2016	9/3	38 (24)	1.0-14/1.5-14	0/1	0/3
2015	10/4	25 (14)	1-9/1-9	1/0	2/2
2014	12/3	30 (21)	0-0/0-0	0/3	0/5
Totals	31/12	93 (59)	2-15/2.5-25	1/4	2/7