Ty Simpson feels at home at the University of Alabama.
He signed his national letter of intent on Wednesday as a five-star quarterback.
Simpson, a native of Martin, Tenn., arrived on campus Thursday to help the Crimson Tide prepare for Cincinnati in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl. His new teammates threw him into the pool for his birthday, but the Gatorade Player of the Year in Tennessee is garnering praise for his passing abilities.
RELATED: Watch Alabama players throw Ty Simpson in the pool for his birthday
Bryce Young told reporters that Simpson is a ‘natural thrower.’
“He’s made some good throws early, and that’s not easy when you are thrust in here coming from high school,” Young said Tuesday. “He has all the potential in the world, and we are excited to see him grow and develop.”
Young said Simpson is attentive in meetings.
He is asking questions to players in the quarterback room and offensive coordinator, Bill O’Brien. Simpson’s focus on wanting to learn is pivotal, especially when spring practice comes in. He had fun getting tossed into the pool; however, a harder task awaits Simpson in the spring. The 6-foot-2, 195-pounder has to avoid getting hit by Will Anderson Jr. Simpson can extend plays with his athleticism, but Anderson is not the easiest edge rusher to get around.
He leads the nation for sacks (15.5) and has forced Young into some rough decisions at practice.
Simpson hopes for Anderson to take it easy on him, but he extended a warm welcome.
“I went up to him and I said ‘you don’t have to worry about me hitting you right now, but in the springtime, you will see me all the time,'” Anderson said on welcoming Simpson in. “I will always be in your face. You don’t have to worry about me now.”
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Simpson receives praise from a fellow quarterback, and Anderson is preparing him for hits. He was successful at Westview High School as one of the top quarterback prospects in the nation. Simpson totaled 2,827 passing yards, 862 rushing yards, 52 touchdowns (11 rushing scores), and three interceptions as a senior in 2021. He led Westview to the Tennessee 2A State Championship.
Simpson recorded 61 scoring tosses and 18 rushing touchdowns combined in his junior and senior seasons.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
