Alabama Football: Crimson Tide gets 5-Star QB commit for ’22 class

Alabama Football: Nick Saban and Bill O’Brien got a verbal commit from the Crimson Tide’s top quarterback target for the 2022 recruiting class.

Another 5-Star has chosen to join the 2022 Alabama Football recruiting class. Ty Simpson chose the Alabama Crimson Tide over Clemson, Tennesee, Ole Miss and over 30 other schools. Other top programs that offered Simpson were Florida, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M, Oregon and Southern Cal.

Simpson is from Westview High School in Martin, TN. Until Jeremy Pruitt was fired, the Tennesee Vols were most often viewed as the school Simpson would choose. The young man grew up as a Vols’ fan. The change from Jeremy Pruitt to Josh Heupel did not go well for the Vols in landing Simpson.

Heupel is sometimes credited for his expertise in developing quarterbacks. Apparently, Ty Simpson was not swayed by Heupel’s reputation.

Who did impress Ty Simpson were the Alabama Football coaching duo of Nick Saban and new Crimson Tide Offensive Coordinator, Bill O’Brien. Nick Saban wants an elite quarterback in every signing class. He worked hard to get Simpson and made sure the exit of Steve Sarkisian was not a problem for the Simpson family.

Alabama football insiders say New Tide OC, Bill O’Brien also played a key role in landing Simpson. A quick relationship was established by O’Brien, who also carries a reputation for developing quarterbacks. The NFL resume of a former NFL head coach adds considerable clout to the Crimson Tide recruiting effort.

Based on the 247Sports Composite, Simpson is the No. 3 Pro-Style QB in the 2022 class and the No. 27 player overall. At 6-feet-2 and 185 pounds, Simpson should develop physically into a player similar to Mac Jones.

Though Simpson is rated as a Pre-Style QB, he has the skills to be categorized as a Dual-Threat QB. Check out these comments from Hank South of 247Sports.

"Exciting dual-threat quarterback who’s one of the best in this year’s class extending plays and making something happen outside the pocket. Won’t wow you with his arm strength but it’s functional and he can make all the throws on the field. Natural feel in the pocket. Senses pressure and does a great job in scramble situations. Keeps eyes down the field and can make a big throw downfield or just take off and run for plus yards."

Check out these highlights from his junior season.

Recruiting insiders believe Simpson’s decision came down to the Crimson Tide and Clemson, with the Tennesee Vols third and Ole Miss a distant fourth.

Simpson is the fourth verbal commit in the 2022 class. He is the Crimson Tide’s first 5-Star of the recruiting cycle.