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Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
How has Ty Simpson navigated Alabama football quarterback battle? I asked his dad
When Jason Simpson watched his son walk off the bus and into Bryant-Denny Stadium for Alabama football's A-Day practice, Ty Simpson was walking with one of his competitors. Ty Simpson, the redshirt junior quarterback, walked with Keelon Russell, the freshman quarterback and five-star phenom, into his first Crimson Tide spring game. And as both approached the stadium, Jason Simpson saw his son whisper something to Russell. Advertisement 'I asked (Ty) later, 'What did you tell him as y'all were walking in?'' Jason Simpson told the Tuscaloosa News. 'He said, 'I was just telling him, hey, this is a spring game. You got to see it on game day how awesome this place is.'' Ty Simpson knows what an offseason quarterback battle looks like. He's been there. He's done that. With that experience in tow, Simpson left as the leader in the clubhouse. 'At the end of the day, if we're playing a football game tomorrow, Ty Simpson would start,' Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said Monday. 'And he earned that, okay? And I know that's the line everybody's looking for, but that is what he earned.' As a dad, Jason Simpson is not surprised by Grubb's proclamation. Jason Simpson has confidence in Ty, the Alabama quarterback who has been there, who's been loyal, and who has put everything into being Alabama's next quarterback. Advertisement But as Jason Simpson, the UT Martin football coach, he also knows Alabama is not his team. It's not his program. He has his own quarterback battle to deal with. Jason Simpson, describing himself as Ty Simpson's number one fan and number one critic, knows what his son's summer looks like before Alabama's quarterback battle ramps back up in August. 'I think you have to be yourself,' Jason Simpson said. 'But now, when it becomes your turn, the torch gets passed on and there's responsibilities you have to be comfortable with.' Ty Simpson 'understands' Alabama football quarterback battle Jason Simpson remembers seeing a change in Ty's demeanor before spring football even started. Advertisement During spring break, Jason and Ty were watching Alabama cut ups and plays with members of a UT Martin coaching staff eager to glean any advantage it could from the Crimson Tide. 'I'd say, 'Ty, how are y'all blocking this up? How are you reading this coverage?'' Jason Simpson said. 'Not only did he know, because sometimes the player can know, but can't teach it. I'm sitting there with seven or eight grown men from my offensive staff in there, and Ty felt comfortable getting up on the board to draw it up. He was able not only to know it himself, but speak it to where people who know football, who coach it on a daily basis, they looked at him like a young coach.' Jason Simpson said Ty's mindset is consistent with how the Alabama football coaching staff teaches scheme, a staff, Jason said, is on the 'cutting edge,' especially after Grubb's hire. It's a staff, Jason said, that is pulling in the same direction, one where he sees a 'great dynamic.' Advertisement 'You can tell they have all worked together before,' Jason Simpson said. 'Everybody's in their role, and there's just a different edge to it now. Because let me tell you, being the quarterback coach and the coordinator, that's a challenge now. Now Nick (Sheridan is) able to spend all that time with his quarterbacks and Grubb is able to see all the details and stuff and give the edge.' Through the coaching staff's comfort with one another, Jason Simpson has seen Ty 'evolve and grow and get better mentally and physically.' And it has become more than just about the quarterback's on-field play. 'I think Ty, he did a good job not getting too high with the highs or too low with the lows,' Jason Simpson said. 'He's been through a quarterback battle before. He understands that it's about taking care of the football and limiting turnovers, ending possessions with a kick, whether it be a field goal or a PAT. Winning games is not about stats, even though you need to play at a high percentage. It's about moving the football team. It's about winning the locker room over and developing relationships with your teammates and being able to demand greatness from each other.' To Jason, Ty Simpson's leadership has been clear. Advertisement Ty, who has been a part of the football team's leadership council since before spring ball started, hosted teammates at his house after A-Day Saturday. As Jason left town, he saw offensive and defensive players alike coming in. As Ty Simpson navigates a quarterback battle, Jason Simpson already sees a quarterback. 'Yeah, you got NIL and you got that money and all that kind of stuff right now,' Jason Simpson said. 'But it's still a team sport. When those four quarters hit and that stadium's loud, man, those relationships, they help you.' Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@ or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter. This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Inside look at Ty Simpson place in Alabama football quarterback battle
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
What's next for Grant Hurst? The Tennessee basketball guard will be a 'little Rick Barnes'
Jordan Gainey was floored when he met Grant Hurst. It was summer 2023 and the pair of guards had arrived as two of the Tennessee basketball newcomers. But nothing about Hurst suggested he was a newcomer. He rattled off scouting reports on every one of his teammates before the Vols even held their first practice. 'I think he will be a little Rick Barnes in the future,' Gainey said. 'He will make a fantabulous coach. He will make a great coach. I just feel like that is who he is.' Hurst concurs — he is a coach at heart. The redshirt junior has his sights set on the sideline after his Tennessee career concludes, trading in his uniform for a clipboard. Vols assistant coach Rod Clark called Hurst in June 2023, but that's not how Hurst tells the story. 'I always tell people that God picked up Rod's phone and called me,' said Hurst, who was honored Saturday on senior day after No. 4 Tennessee topped South Carolina 75-65 at Food City Center. Hurst entered the transfer portal after two seasons (2021-23) at UT Martin. He was looking for a change and was ready to hone in on what he wanted to do. He loves playing basketball. He loves the game itself more, and Tennessee presented him with an opportunity. 'Ultimately, it was sacrificing what would be my playing days for what will be my future,' Hurst said. The Cleveland High School product had long been told he had a good basketball mind. He was always a play ahead on the court. He's disciplined and focused. He trains hard and loves people. He felt a pull toward coaching as he noticed it was basketball that was giving him lessons. He took that desire to absorb more knowledge, asking questions and learning. He takes every opportunity to set himself up better to coach. Hurst, who has scored eight points in 10 games at Tennessee, will figure out his next steps after the season. But he knows he wants to coach in college one day. 'Along with my faith and wanting to spread Jesus, being a coach, there is so much that I know and can show people through coaching,' Hurst said. 'It is such a great opportunity for me as a person." Hurst can explain how he scouted his teammates before arriving. He is a Tennessee fan and always was. When he was at UT Martin, he admired Zakai Zeigler and Jahmai Mashack. He studied film of Cade Phillips and J.P. Estrella whey they committed. He knew their strengths and weaknesses. He has parlayed that into being an asset in practices, on the scout team and in games. 'He reminds me of some of the young players I have been around that have gone on to be really successful in coaching,' Barnes said. 'He has a great basketball mind.' Hurst talks to his teammates during huddles and they respect his voice. He communicates what he sees. He is a calming presence when Barnes is frustrated with the Vols. Hurst delivers teaching well, and his teammates hear the central message. He has learned how important consistency is from Barnes in addition to a deep understanding of the X's and O's. He admires how Barnes has surrounded himself with good coaches who have strengths. BRACKET: Who does Tennessee basketball play in SEC Tournament? Updating Vols' opponent in Nashville Hurst took his biggest lesson from Clark. 'It is all about the relationships,' Hurst said. 'It is all about making connections. That more than anything else is how you create relationships that go the distance when it matters most.' Barnes has witnessed it. He admires Hurst's people skills, praising his faith and his 'well-grounded' nature. Those attributes make Barnes sure Hurst will be a good coach — and Hurst hopes to make good on Barnes' confidence. 'I can't wait to be a part of the Rick Barnes tree of successful coaches that go elsewhere,' Hurst said. 'Everybody has a place to start. Thankfully, mine has been with him.' Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at and follow him on X @ByMikeWilson or Bluesky @ If you enjoy Mike's coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Grant Hurst has sights on coaching after Tennessee basketball career
Washington Post
07-03-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
Little Rock defeats UT Martin 82-77 in Ohio Valley Conference Tournament
EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Mwani Wilkinson had 29 points in Little Rock's 82-77 win over UT Martin on Thursday in the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament quarterfinals. Wilkinson had five rebounds for the Trojans (19-13). Johnathan Lawson scored 21 points and added five rebounds, eight assists, and five steals. Tuongthach Gatkek had 12 points and shot 5 of 11 from the field and 2 for 4 from the line. Tarence Guinyard finished with 17 points and five assists for the Skyhawks (14-19). Afan Trnka added 17 points and four assists. Vladimer Salaridze had 15 points, six rebounds, four steals and two blocks. Gatkek's layup with 3:45 remaining in the second half gave Little Rock the lead for good at 74-72. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Associated Press
07-03-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Little Rock defeats UT Martin 82-77 in Ohio Valley Conference Tournament
The AP Top 25 men's college basketball poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here. EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) — Mwani Wilkinson had 29 points in Little Rock's 82-77 win over UT Martin on Thursday in the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament quarterfinals. Wilkinson had five rebounds for the Trojans (19-13). Johnathan Lawson scored 21 points and added five rebounds, eight assists, and five steals. Tuongthach Gatkek had 12 points and shot 5 of 11 from the field and 2 for 4 from the line. Tarence Guinyard finished with 17 points and five assists for the Skyhawks (14-19). Afan Trnka added 17 points and four assists. Vladimer Salaridze had 15 points, six rebounds, four steals and two blocks. Gatkek's layup with 3:45 remaining in the second half gave Little Rock the lead for good at 74-72. ___
Associated Press
06-03-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Little Rock Trojans and UT Martin Skyhawks play in OVC Tournament
Evansville, Indiana; Thursday, 7 p.m. EST BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Trojans -4.5; over/under is 133.5 BOTTOM LINE: Little Rock plays in the OVC Tournament against UT Martin. The Trojans' record in OVC games is 12-8, and their record is 6-5 in non-conference play. Little Rock ranks fourth in the OVC with 13.5 assists per game led by Johnathan Lawson averaging 3.5. The Skyhawks are 10-11 in OVC play. UT Martin scores 74.3 points while outscoring opponents by 2.7 points per game. Little Rock makes 44.6% of its shots from the field this season, which is 2.4 percentage points higher than UT Martin has allowed to its opponents (42.2%). UT Martin has shot at a 41.7% rate from the field this season, 2.7 percentage points above the 39.0% shooting opponents of Little Rock have averaged. TOP PERFORMERS: Lawson is averaging 15.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.7 steals for the Trojans. Jordan Jefferson is averaging 13.6 points and 2.1 rebounds while shooting 50.0% over the past 10 games. Josue Grullon averages 2.3 made 3-pointers per game for the Skyhawks, scoring 12.2 points while shooting 36.2% from beyond the arc. Tarence Guinyard is shooting 45.9% and averaging 15.9 points over the past 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Trojans: 5-5, averaging 71.1 points, 28.6 rebounds, 12.3 assists, 10.4 steals and 4.3 blocks per game while shooting 46.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 67.7 points per game. Skyhawks: 5-5, averaging 67.4 points, 34.9 rebounds, 12.1 assists, 7.7 steals and 2.3 blocks per game while shooting 40.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 68.2 points. ___
