In a video call with Nick Saban and his wife Terry on Thursday night, 247Sports Composite’s five-star quarterback Ty Simpson he looked at his future coach and said, ‘I’m going to wear this Alabama cap tomorrow. “
“Mrs. Terry started to whistle with excitement.” Simpson said. He and his parents smiled from ear to ear.
Simpson went public with his plans and actually put on that hat Friday afternoon during a live broadcast of their engagement at CBS Sports HQ, choosing to play for defending national champions over their other finalists in Clemson, Ole Miss and Tennessee.
“It was an incredible feeling to know that I’m going to play for the big Nick Saban, ”Simpson stated.
Saban himself saw the Thursday scene as cold as one might expect.
“Coach Saban said it’s great news and you kind of took me by surprise, we’re really excited and you made a lot of people in Alabama very happy,” said Simpson’s father Jason, who is UT Martin’s football coach.
The 1.80 m high, 185 pound Simpson is rated by the 247Sports Composite as the third professional pass type in the country and the potential number 27 in general. He is the No. 4 commit for Alabama in the 2022 cycle, joining the Top247 linebacker Robert Woodyard, Top247 defensive end Walter Bob and tight end of four stars Elijah Brown.
“What caught my attention about them was one culture and two the development of the player,” said Simpson. “They prepare their players for the NFL and the NFL is a dream of mine and I am going to a place where they have NFL coaches every day who can make me the best player I can be.
“They are going to get the best out of everyone who is there. They will play with the best players and it will help you throughout your career, being with Bill O’Brien and coach (Doug) Marrone and coach Saban and their connections with coach Bill Belichick, being able to learn from big names would be amazing. “
At one point in the process, Tennessee was the team to be defeated by Simpson, but the change of coach in Knoxville opened the door for Crimson Tide and Tigers to advance. Although Clemson was an attractive situation and the Tigers were even able to speak to the school president over the phone with Simpson this week, it was not enough to beat Alabama.
“I never met Coach Saban until this recruitment process,” said the older Simpson. “We saw him on television like everyone else. The opportunity to sit in his office for the past two years with Ty as a recruit and then when you have a chance to sit face to face with him at Zooms, when it was our family and him, you had to see an experienced coach who can guide your child and get the best from your child and pursue your dreams.
“I think it was great for Ty the day (new offensive coordinator) Bill O’Brien was hired and called Ty. So he called me. To get to know him and his pedigree as a head coach at Penn State and as a coach Tom Brady with the Patriots and then with the Texans’ head coach, I knew that Ty could see himself being really challenged to be the best version of himself as a player. “
Simpson was responsible for about 2,200 attack yards and 27 touchdowns in total as a junior. He completed more than 61 percent of his passes for 1,888 yards and 20 points for just four interceptions, adding 311 yards and seven more touchdowns on the ground. In the film you see good arm strength, playing in anticipation of various arm angles, his hand talent is evident in the way he can slow down and speed up his delivery and the most fun part of the Simpson film is the ability to extend plays in a Brett Favre he likes fashion fighting everywhere before hitting the field for a big win.
“Obviously, the athletic build and strength of the arm are two major reasons why he is being recruited. Arm strength is not normal, ”said Simpson coach Jarod Neal. “He has an above average arm talent and can make any shot. What sets him apart from most high school players comes from the knowledge of the game he already owns and allows him to talk to the coaches and understand what’s going on, without having to break it down into smaller conversations. “
Simpson is an ace under the center who can adapt to any situation, pressed, inside or outside his pocket, his creativity and instincts make him unique in the position in the 2022 cycle.
“He has a very quick release, he generates a lot of speed for a guy who hasn’t grown in structure yet,” said QB Collective coach Will Hewlett. Hewlett had a chance to work with Simpson over the summer alongside some of the best passers-by in the 2021 and 2022 classes at the QB College national event. “He is only hungry to improve on the little things. At Coletivo’s camp, he was by far one of the most talented kids and had many advantages ”.
Simpson is going to Alabama to get the most out of that advantage.
Not a VIP member of BamaOnLine? Sign up today and get 50% off the first year!