Rivals250 OT Darrell Simpson still steady with Sooners commitment

ALEDO, Tex. -- Oklahoma had long been thought to be the leader in Darrell Simpson’s recruitment prior to his commitment to the Sooners this summer. Now, with his senior season coming to a close, he’s more focused on a future in Norman than ever before.

Simpson was at Oklahoma for the Sooners’ lone loss this season against Iowa State, but his focus wasn’t on the game so much as the experience with the other players and commits in attendance with him.

“It was pretty good just getting to know all the players,” he said “Getting to know Ron (Tatum) and Tre (Johnson) and trying to see if Josh (Proctor) would come over. Just hanging out with some of the players’ brothers and friends was pretty cool.”

Oklahoma is enjoying another strong season under new head coach Lincoln Riley, and is having similar success on the recruiting trail. The Sooners staff has done its part keeping Simpson included and he said the the already tight bond has only grown stronger since his commitment.

“Things have been pretty good,” he said. “There’s just been more communication with Coach (Bill) Bedenbaugh. Other than that, it’s just been getting with the players more and getting familiar with them.”

When Simpson committed, the other team thought to be a major contender was TCU, who to this point has five offensive linemen committed in its class. Simpson said that the Horned Frogs have essentially stopped their pursuit of him, but that doesn’t seem to make much difference, as Simpson said that he has no intention of so much as visiting anywhere else.