Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson will make his first full-game start Saturday afternoon against Florida State. The junior has spent most of his career as a backup, giving fans only brief glimpses of his potential.
Practice reports suggest Simpson has impressed coaches and analysts alike heading into the matchup.
Simpson models his game after former Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, who also wore No. 15. As a kid, Tebow was Simpson’s hero.
“I loved the way that he played, how passionate he was, and how outspoken he was about his faith,” Simpson said on Hey Coach!, Alabama’s weekly coaches show. “I thought that was really cool.”
The similarities between the two quarterbacks run deep.
Both wear No. 15. Both speak openly about their Christian faith. Both were top recruits coming out of high school with dual-threat capabilities.
Alabama recruited both players, though Tebow ultimately chose Florida where he won the Heisman Trophy and a national championship.
Simpson’s coaches have highlighted his running ability as a potential surprise weapon. They’ve also noted his capacity to throw accurately while scrambling, a trait that made Tebow particularly dangerous during his college career.
The Alabama coaching staff believes Simpson’s mobility could be the key to unlocking the offense’s potential against Florida State’s defense.
Simpson will look to establish his own legacy while drawing inspiration from the quarterback who captured his imagination as a young player.
