Elite In-State QB Sets Commitment Date

Coveted In-State QB Ty Simpson sets his decision date

"We have to keep kids in our state here. That is for multiple reasons. They are going to come play championship caliber football, they are going to be developed, and they are going to have a chance to move onto the NFL. They are going to get a great degree and they are going to be empowered to live in this state once they are done with that degree. We have to do that inside of our own borders. That is going to come from me, it has to transcend through our assistant coaching staff, and it has to reside in every Vol fan here inside the state of Tennessee. Everybody has to bring energy and passion," Josh Heupel stated during his introductory press conference as Tennessee's 27th Head Coach. 

Now, less than a week after Heupel takes over in Knoxville, one elite target is ready to make his decision. 

Ty Simpson is the highest rated quarterback to come out of the state of Tennessee in the modern recruiting era, and he will be announcing his decision on February 19th. Simpson will choose between several schools, including Tennessee, Texas A&M, Alabama, Clemson, and Ole Miss. 

Simpson tweeted out on Sunday night, "I will be making my college decision February 19th at 2:00pm (cst) at Westview High School. Everyone is welcome to come."

Simpson has built relationships with each school over the last several months, including self-guided trips to several of his finalists. The race appears to be between Alabama, Clemson and Tennessee, however, the Vols complete staff turnover could impact their chances in the decision, as Simpson has only had a few chances to get to know Heupel. 

Alabama also lost key coaches involved in Simpson's recruitment as well, but Bill O'Brien has plenty of selling points for the Martin (Tenn.) native. Clemson has been a key player in Simpson's recruitment for the duration, in fact, he was the first quarterback they offered in the class. 

Simpson told VR2 on SI following the news of Heupel's hire that he was "intrigued' by the offense Tennessee would run. 

Schools can contact juniors at will starting today, which means Simpson's phone likely will not stop ringing today.