Isaiah Horton Utilizing Familiarity with one Alabama QB

Miami transfer wide receiver Isaiah Horton committed to Alabama just before Christmas 2024, and part of his decision was the standard that Alabama has set across all of college football.

Get our free mobile app

Another major factor for his recruitment was familiarity with one current Alabama quarterback - Ty Simpson. The two players played their high school football just three hours apart in Tennessee and linked up during camps to showcase their abilities. Now, they're back on the same field wearing crimson and white.

“That’s my guy,” said Horton of Simpson in an interview on "Crimson Drive" with the Crimson Tide Sports Network. “He was my 7-on-7 quarterback when we were in high school, so when we were younger. We had that little chemistry. But yeah, that’s my guy. It’s kind of one of the reasons I came here, too, just to get back with him. He’s gonna be one of them ones. I just believe in him.”

Simpson was a five-star recruit and the No. 2 player in the state of Tenneessee in the 2022 recruiting class. Horton was the No. 12 player from Tennessee. They parted ways after the high school circuit, with Simpson heading to Tuscaloosa and Horton heading to Miami. Now, they've rejoined forces four years later with an opportunity to play on the same field for Alabama.

“Back then, he was a 5-star. He was nice,” Horton said. “And then just coming (here), it’s a full circle coming back. We’re just back together, and you can just feel the chemistry. It’s nice. It’s a good feeling.”

Simpson is competing for the Alabama starting quarterback job after Jalen Milroe's departure to the NFL draft. According to ESPN's Greg McElroy, the former national champion at Alabama thinks Simpson is in 'firm control' of the starting spot. However, with 149 days until the season opener against Florida State, there is plenty of time for Austin Mack or Keelon Russell to challenge Simpson for the role.

While Horton advocates for his guy in Simpson, he also has seen 'great' things from Mack and Russell.

“They’re both doing a great job,” Horton said. “They’re both competing. I can’t just pick one out. They’re all doing an incredible job, and they’re working hard. It means something to them. You just see it in each and every one of them.”

Alabama will hold its second scrimmage of spring practice on Friday, April 4, with A-Day's open practice scheduled for Saturday, April 12.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.