Q&A: Jacob Simpson on Minnesota football, optimizing tight end recruiting, Johnston's trip to the Dome

Iowa high school football season kicks off this week with top players like Jacob Simpson ready to compete.

The highly anticipated start of the Iowa high school football season is just around the corner, set to kick off this week. The excitement is palpable as teams from all over the state gear up to compete for their first win of the 2023 season. Among the talented athletes taking the field, there are a select few who are poised to make a name for themselves at the college level. One such standout is Jacob Simpson, a 6-foot-5, 210-pound tight end from Johnston.

Simpson, ranked as the No. 7 player in Iowa and the No. 37 tight end in the nation by 247Sports Composite, committed to Minnesota in June after receiving offers from nine other Division I schools. Last season, he was Johnston's most targeted receiver, hauling in a team-high 40 receptions for 559 yards and six touchdowns. His impressive performance played a pivotal role in Johnston's historic run to the state semifinals in the UNI-Dome.

Reflecting on his journey, Simpson fondly recalls his earliest memories of playing football with his dad in the backyard. Growing up just a stone's throw away from Johnston High School, he would listen to the Friday night games on the speaker, setting up imaginary scenarios like fourth and goal and overtime. These experiences fostered a deep love for the game and a strong connection to the community.

Making it to the Dome for the first time in school history stands out as one of Simpson's most cherished accomplishments. It was a special moment that only a select few can claim, taking his team further than ever before. However, the road to success was not without its challenges. Simpson faced the pressures of college recruitment, with daily phone calls and text messages from coaches vying for his commitment. Balancing schoolwork and travel, he embarked on a three-week journey to explore his options. Ultimately, Minnesota felt like home, and Simpson couldn't ask for more.

Committing to a college relieved a tremendous weight from Simpson's shoulders. He no longer had to worry about pleasing everyone or making the wrong decision. Instead, he focused on what felt right for him. Graduating early, he can now fully concentrate on his senior season and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Navigating the world of high-profile athletics comes with its own set of challenges. Simpson acknowledges the immense pressure and scrutiny that comes with being in the spotlight 24/7. Every move is scrutinized, and the fear of making a mistake looms large. However, he remains steadfast in his commitment to doing the right thing and not jeopardizing his future.

Unlike some athletes who have a deep-rooted connection to a particular college or team, Simpson didn't have that same allegiance. While he cheered for Iowa State growing up, he never felt tied to a specific program. Instead, he focused on the schools that believed in him and the opportunities they presented.

When it came to choosing Minnesota, Simpson was drawn to the intensity and passion of Coach P.J. Fleck. He appreciated the purpose behind Fleck's actions and the meticulous planning that went into every decision. Additionally, Coach Andrew Sowder, the tight end coach, provided a balanced approach, offering both motivation and wisdom. The location of the university was also a factor for Simpson, as he wanted to strike a balance between venturing out of his comfort zone while staying relatively close to home.

Looking ahead to his senior year, Simpson has his sights set on returning to the Dome and going even further. Having experienced the thrill of making history with his team, he is driven to avoid the pain of defeat and bring home a championship for Johnston. The goal is to etch their names in the record books as the first team ever to win it all.

As the Iowa high school football season kicks off, all eyes are on Jacob Simpson and his journey towards greatness. With his talent, determination, and unwavering support from his community, the sky's the limit for this young athlete.

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