[COLOR= rgb(178, 34, 34)][SIZE= 24px]4-Star John Simpson Breaks Down Top 7, Reveals Decision Date[/COLOR]
July 23, 2015[/SIZE]
[COLOR= rgb(178, 34, 34)]247sports bio[/COLOR]
[COLOR= rgb(178, 34, 34)]Rivals bio[/COLOR]
[COLOR= rgb(178, 34, 34)]Video: [/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 205)]http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1513456/john-simpson[/COLOR]
[COLOR= rgb(178, 34, 34)]Rivals star ranking 4[/COLOR]
[COLOR= rgb(178, 34, 34)]247sports star ranking 4[/COLOR]
OL [COLOR= rgb(178, 34, 34)]John Simpson [/COLOR]6'4" 296lbs is less than 10 days away from the start of his final high school football training camp, and he understands it's time to focus on the future.
The 4-star Charleston, South Carolina, offensive lineman moved closer toward deciding where that future awaits Wednesday morning, announcing a list of seven favorites on Twitter:
This collection features six SEC squads—Alabama, Florida, Georgia, LSU, South Carolina and Tennessee—and in-state ACC contender Clemson.
Simpson expects to trim his list to five schools at some point this season, setting the stage for official visits and a commitment this winter.
"As of right now, I want to make my announcement at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl," he said.
The game is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 9, in San Antonio, Texas.
Rated 10th nationally among guard prospects in 247Sports' composite rankings, Simpson is seen as a versatile cog along the offensive front. In fact, the majority of college coaching staffs are targeting him at tackle.
"College coaches tell me I'm athletic enough to play anywhere on the line. I'm open to compete at any position my team needs me," he said.
Now that Simpson has narrowed things down in his recruitment, we caught up with the 6'4.5", 296-pound Fort Dorchester High School senior to discuss his outlook toward each top option.
Alabama
Tuscaloosa was a stop on Simpson's recruiting tour this summer. The Crimson Tide actually took him by surprise with significant interest.
"I honestly didn't think Alabama would offer, but I'm glad they did," he said. "The tradition down there is incredible. [Offensive line coach Mario] Cristobal taught me more there in a couple days of camp than anyone has ever coached me up at a different school."
Cristobal works with quite a depth chart at Alabama. Already loaded with former high school All-Americans and with more incoming talent in place this recruiting cycle, it's a positional group that isn't easily climbed by young players.
A crowded situation in the trenches doesn't bother Simpson. He's willing to wait for his opportunity while undergoing further development.
"I want to take the time to let my body mature more so I can be fully prepared to play when it's my time," Simpson said. "Obviously I'd be happy to have an early chance on the field, but that isn't necessarily the biggest thing for me."
Clemson
The Tigers have hosted Simpson more than any program in the country because of a combination of proximity and longstanding mutual interest. He looks at Clemson's location and atmosphere as key elements of strong interest.
"Clemson definitely stands out a lot," Simpson said. "It's pretty close to home, and I'm very comfortable with the coaching staff. Things are definitely personal between me and the program after all these visits."
He's focused on checking out other colleges now, but Clemson is clearly a top contender, if not the favorite for his commitment. Simpson is projected to sign with the Tigers by 75 percent of expert predictions in 247Sports' Crystal Ball.
Florida
The Gators offered Simpson following the arrival of a new coaching regime led by Jim McElwain. He attended the team's first spring game under new leadership in April.
A conversation with offensive line coach Mike Summers increased his intrigue.
"He told me they didn't have very many scholarship offensive linemen playing in the spring game. I guess a lot of them were walk-ons," Simpson said. "Coach Summers told me if I come there, I would basically be guaranteed a shot at a starting spot."
Georgia
Aside from Alabama, Simpson pointed to Georgia as a contender that carries the most tradition. He also expressed enthusiasm about how the coaching staff handles things.
"I really like the way those coaches carry themselves and treat players," Simpson said. "[Head coach] Mark Richt is an awesome leader, and I like his style."
The Bulldogs offered in December and impressed Simpson during his time on campus. Georgia now seeks an official visit to gain ground in this chase.
LSU
LSU is the lone university that hasn't yet secured a campus visit from Simpson. He plans to change that soon by traveling to Baton Rouge in order to develop a better feel for the program.
Simpson credits first-year assistant coach Kevin Steele as the driving force behind his desire to explore more with LSU.
"He was the one at Alabama who made sure they looked hard at me as a recruit," Simpson said. "Then when he went from Alabama to LSU, that's when LSU offered. Apparently he's really interested in me. I want to get down there to see what it's all about."
Where will 4-star OL John Simpson play college football? Alabama Clemson Florida Georgia LSU South Carolina Tennessee Submit Vote vote to see results Where will 4-star OL John Simpson play college football?Alabama10.1%Clemson16.9%Florida14.1%Georgia17.5%LSU11.7%South Carolina8.3%Tennessee21.4%Total votes: 892
South Carolina
The Gamecocks offered Simpson a scholarship before any FBS program, extending that opportunity shortly before his junior season. He is set to visit Columbia on Friday, July 24, and it could be a chance for South Carolina to reestablish its relationship with the in-state standout.
"I haven't been speaking with South Carolina as much lately, but I'm really cool with [assistant coach Everette] Sands. I know that will continue when I get there for my visit," Simpson said.
He admits some concern about the longevity of Steve Spurrier's tenure. Uncertainty continues to swirl around when the Hall of Fame head coach will retire, reverberating in the recruiting spectrum.
"I'm nervous about it. Personally, I really thought he was going to retire this year," Simpson said. "It makes me nervous because I really like [offensive line coach Shawn] Elliott. He's one of the best coaches that I know. But the thing is, if Coach Spurrier leaves, then Coach Elliott would probably leave, and I would be left behind."
He is hardly alone with this sentiment. It's an issue the Gamecocks—rated 53rd overall in composite class rankings—are forced to deal with moving forward.
Tennessee
The Volunteers are the most recent team to welcome Simpson on campus. He attended a camp in Knoxville earlier this month and called it a positive experience.
"I thing their facilities are excellent, and the stadium is really big," he said.
His feelings at Tennessee were even more important than any sights.
"I'm looking for a family environment at these schools, and that's what I felt at Tennessee," Simpson said. "It feels like that at Clemson too. That's a big part of this process."
July 23, 2015[/SIZE]
[COLOR= rgb(178, 34, 34)]247sports bio[/COLOR]
[COLOR= rgb(178, 34, 34)]Rivals bio[/COLOR]
[COLOR= rgb(178, 34, 34)]Video: [/COLOR][COLOR= rgb(0, 0, 205)]http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1513456/john-simpson[/COLOR]
[COLOR= rgb(178, 34, 34)]Rivals star ranking 4[/COLOR]
[COLOR= rgb(178, 34, 34)]247sports star ranking 4[/COLOR]
OL [COLOR= rgb(178, 34, 34)]John Simpson [/COLOR]6'4" 296lbs is less than 10 days away from the start of his final high school football training camp, and he understands it's time to focus on the future.
The 4-star Charleston, South Carolina, offensive lineman moved closer toward deciding where that future awaits Wednesday morning, announcing a list of seven favorites on Twitter:
This collection features six SEC squads—Alabama, Florida, Georgia, LSU, South Carolina and Tennessee—and in-state ACC contender Clemson.
Simpson expects to trim his list to five schools at some point this season, setting the stage for official visits and a commitment this winter.
"As of right now, I want to make my announcement at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl," he said.
The game is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 9, in San Antonio, Texas.
Rated 10th nationally among guard prospects in 247Sports' composite rankings, Simpson is seen as a versatile cog along the offensive front. In fact, the majority of college coaching staffs are targeting him at tackle.
"College coaches tell me I'm athletic enough to play anywhere on the line. I'm open to compete at any position my team needs me," he said.
Now that Simpson has narrowed things down in his recruitment, we caught up with the 6'4.5", 296-pound Fort Dorchester High School senior to discuss his outlook toward each top option.
Alabama
Tuscaloosa was a stop on Simpson's recruiting tour this summer. The Crimson Tide actually took him by surprise with significant interest.
"I honestly didn't think Alabama would offer, but I'm glad they did," he said. "The tradition down there is incredible. [Offensive line coach Mario] Cristobal taught me more there in a couple days of camp than anyone has ever coached me up at a different school."
Cristobal works with quite a depth chart at Alabama. Already loaded with former high school All-Americans and with more incoming talent in place this recruiting cycle, it's a positional group that isn't easily climbed by young players.
A crowded situation in the trenches doesn't bother Simpson. He's willing to wait for his opportunity while undergoing further development.
"I want to take the time to let my body mature more so I can be fully prepared to play when it's my time," Simpson said. "Obviously I'd be happy to have an early chance on the field, but that isn't necessarily the biggest thing for me."
Clemson
The Tigers have hosted Simpson more than any program in the country because of a combination of proximity and longstanding mutual interest. He looks at Clemson's location and atmosphere as key elements of strong interest.
"Clemson definitely stands out a lot," Simpson said. "It's pretty close to home, and I'm very comfortable with the coaching staff. Things are definitely personal between me and the program after all these visits."
He's focused on checking out other colleges now, but Clemson is clearly a top contender, if not the favorite for his commitment. Simpson is projected to sign with the Tigers by 75 percent of expert predictions in 247Sports' Crystal Ball.
Florida
The Gators offered Simpson following the arrival of a new coaching regime led by Jim McElwain. He attended the team's first spring game under new leadership in April.
A conversation with offensive line coach Mike Summers increased his intrigue.
"He told me they didn't have very many scholarship offensive linemen playing in the spring game. I guess a lot of them were walk-ons," Simpson said. "Coach Summers told me if I come there, I would basically be guaranteed a shot at a starting spot."
Georgia
Aside from Alabama, Simpson pointed to Georgia as a contender that carries the most tradition. He also expressed enthusiasm about how the coaching staff handles things.
"I really like the way those coaches carry themselves and treat players," Simpson said. "[Head coach] Mark Richt is an awesome leader, and I like his style."
The Bulldogs offered in December and impressed Simpson during his time on campus. Georgia now seeks an official visit to gain ground in this chase.
LSU
LSU is the lone university that hasn't yet secured a campus visit from Simpson. He plans to change that soon by traveling to Baton Rouge in order to develop a better feel for the program.
Simpson credits first-year assistant coach Kevin Steele as the driving force behind his desire to explore more with LSU.
"He was the one at Alabama who made sure they looked hard at me as a recruit," Simpson said. "Then when he went from Alabama to LSU, that's when LSU offered. Apparently he's really interested in me. I want to get down there to see what it's all about."
Where will 4-star OL John Simpson play college football? Alabama Clemson Florida Georgia LSU South Carolina Tennessee Submit Vote vote to see results Where will 4-star OL John Simpson play college football?Alabama10.1%Clemson16.9%Florida14.1%Georgia17.5%LSU11.7%South Carolina8.3%Tennessee21.4%Total votes: 892
South Carolina
The Gamecocks offered Simpson a scholarship before any FBS program, extending that opportunity shortly before his junior season. He is set to visit Columbia on Friday, July 24, and it could be a chance for South Carolina to reestablish its relationship with the in-state standout.
"I haven't been speaking with South Carolina as much lately, but I'm really cool with [assistant coach Everette] Sands. I know that will continue when I get there for my visit," Simpson said.
He admits some concern about the longevity of Steve Spurrier's tenure. Uncertainty continues to swirl around when the Hall of Fame head coach will retire, reverberating in the recruiting spectrum.
"I'm nervous about it. Personally, I really thought he was going to retire this year," Simpson said. "It makes me nervous because I really like [offensive line coach Shawn] Elliott. He's one of the best coaches that I know. But the thing is, if Coach Spurrier leaves, then Coach Elliott would probably leave, and I would be left behind."
He is hardly alone with this sentiment. It's an issue the Gamecocks—rated 53rd overall in composite class rankings—are forced to deal with moving forward.
Tennessee
The Volunteers are the most recent team to welcome Simpson on campus. He attended a camp in Knoxville earlier this month and called it a positive experience.
"I thing their facilities are excellent, and the stadium is really big," he said.
His feelings at Tennessee were even more important than any sights.
"I'm looking for a family environment at these schools, and that's what I felt at Tennessee," Simpson said. "It feels like that at Clemson too. That's a big part of this process."
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