2020 LB Trenton Simpson Impressed With Notre Dame

Notre Dame dipped into one of the top programs in North Carolina on Tuesday night as 2020 Mallard Creek linebacker Trenton Simpson‍ received an offer from Clark Lea. 

“The defensive coordinator called me and we had been communicating for a while,” Simpson told Irish Sports Daily. “We got on the phone and he offered me a scholarship. I was very excited to get it.

“I know they have had great players like Jaylon Smith and turned them into beasts. They take their game to another level. Academically, they are up there and very good. I know it’s a great place.” 

Lea, who also coaches linebackers, offered the Mallard Creek star as a linebacker despite some programs offering him as a running back. 

“Coach Lea said he loves the way I play linebacker and how I can run,” stated Simpson. “He likes how I run the ball can transition to linebacker to help me run and react.” 

Choosing to play running back or linebacker will be Simpson’s first decision in the coming months. 

“It’s 50-50 now,” said Simpson. “Some schools have offered me as a running back and linebacker. I have to make my decision on a position and that will determine what school I will go to. I’m getting closer to making that decision, but I will talk it over with my family to make sure it’s the right one.” 

When he decides on a position, Simpson will also factor in opportunities away from the field to make sure he’s comfortable off the field.

“I’ll play either position, but I’m looking for a school who gives me a family feel and can benefit me with life after football,” Simpson explained. “I know a great education will carry me after football if I have a degree and can walk into any job and get it. That’s the main priority for me when picking a school.” 

Another significant part of Simpson’s decision will be how well he meshes with the current players. 

“I’m really looking at the guys I’ll be playing with because I have to build a relationship and trust them,” stated Simpson. “I’m not worried about the depth chart. Whatever college I choose, I will have to go in and work hard no matter if it’s five or ten linebackers on the roster. I’m ready to go find that family and get to work.” 

Georgia is a program Simpson has visited and the Bulldogs have offered as a linebacker, while another SEC program will get him on campus this weekend, but they have offered him as a running back. 

“I really like them and I’m originally from Georgia,” Simpson said of Georgia. “It was cool getting up there on a visit to campus. I’m just taking every offer with high interest. 

“I’ll be visiting Tennessee this weekend. They are high on me at running back and they said they love big running backs.” 

Simpson only has one other visit set up as he’s focused on preparing for the ACT and SAT. 

“I’ll be at Auburn and then I have to take the ACT and SAT,” said Simpson. “I’ll take a little break from my recruitment to make sure I get great scores on those tests. I’ll get situated with my parents to schedule everything out and I’ll be back on the road on the weekends.” 

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