Ty Simpson won over Alabama football defense long before he was named starting QB

Alabama football’s newly-named starting quarterback Ty Simpson hasn’t just won over his offense. He has the respect of his peers on the other side of the ball, too.

Crimson Tide linebacker Deontae Lawson and defensive back Zabien Brown sang Simpson’s praises for his growth on and off the field during media availability on Wednesday.

Ty, he’s a leader of men,” Brown said. “I’m extremely glad that he’s my quarterback.”

Brown called Simpson “a guy’s guy.” Sure, Simpson is exceptional at slinging the rock, and the Martin, Tenn. native can often be found trading crimson for camouflage to climb up in a deer stand. Brown’s comment doesn’t come down to what Simpson does on a daily basis, but the heart he puts into every little thing he does.

Makes you want to play harder for him,” Brown said. To Lawson, though, Simpson has always made him want to give more to the team.

“Ty really stayed down. That just means so much to us, as a team, just to know a guy like that, that just cares so much about this place, about his teammates, it just makes you feel good,” Lawson said. “Ty was already my guy, to be honest with you.”