South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer has nothing but respect for Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, and it’s easy to see why. The two share a connection that goes back years — long before Simpson was leading the Crimson Tide offense.
Beamer’s relationship with the Simpson family began when Ty was a five-star recruit. His father, Jason Simpson, has been the longtime head football coach at UT-Martin, and Beamer made sure to stay in touch with the family even after Ty chose Alabama.
“I texted his dad a couple nights ago,” Beamer revealed during the SEC Coaches Teleconference this week. “I was sitting there watching their offense on tape, and some of the throws that Ty has made this season — I mean, they are as good as any I’ve seen in a long, long time.”
Beamer went on to praise Simpson’s poise and precision, especially under pressure. “Whether it be clutch plays on that fourth down against Missouri — they’ve got great coverage, and he makes a heck of a throw — or some of the pressure he was under at times against Tennessee the other night, he’s able to sit in the pocket,” Beamer explained. “Tennessee’s got great coverage on a receiver, and Ty literally puts the ball where only the receiver can catch it. I mean, it’s literally like the perfect throws when he’s under duress.”
The South Carolina coach didn’t mince words about how dangerous Simpson has been lately. “To say that he’s hot right now is an understatement,” Beamer said. “That’ll be a big challenge for us, but I think the world of him as a young man, and I think the world of his family also.”
The Gamecocks will face Simpson and the Crimson Tide on Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in a crucial SEC showdown. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CST.
