Fort Dorchester’s John Simpson always busy during football season

It's a lot easier to practice for an all-star game coming off a state championship win.

That's the case for Fort Dorchester offensive lineman John Simpson. The Mr. Football finalist helped lead the Patriots to their first 4A Division I title in school history with a 59-31 win against Dorman last weekend.

Simpson is now preparing for the 79th Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas, which will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday at Gibbs Stadium. He said winning the championship was a great feeling but is trying to keep it low key during this week's practices at Spartanburg High School.

"It's crazy," said Simpson after Tuesday morning's workouts. "My quarterback (Collin Hill) played for Dorman, so I've got to watch it a little bit. But we've got a good relationship, though."

Although somewhat subdued, Simpson said being a part of the school's first state championship couldn't be a better feeling.

"(Fort Dorchester) Coach (Steve) LaPrad kept telling us since the beginning that it was going to be a long trip, and it was," he said. "We were going hard, and it paid off. We always stick together. We're just like brothers."

Simpson said he's building a brotherhood with his Sandlappers' teammates, as well.

"It's going real good," he said. "We're catching on quick. It's going to be a good thing when it comes down to it because everybody is studying their books. We actually come together at night as offensive linemen. (Offensive line) Coach (Will) Young don't tell us to, but we just come together and study a little bit."

Simpson (6-foot-4, 288 pounds) is one of the most highly-recruited offensive linemen nationally. He has 13 offers including Clemson, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Georgia and North Carolina.

Simpson is undecided and said his main concern is enjoying this week leading up to Saturday's game.

"I don't really think about it any other time either," he said with a laugh. "Right now it's just about spending time with people I've never met before."

Simpson added the free food at local establishments also isn't a bad deal.

"We've only been to one (restaurant), but it was straight," he said. "The fish was alright. I was asking for more, but they wouldn't give me none."

This story was originally published December 16, 2015 at 3:13 PM with the headline "Fort Dorchester’s John Simpson always busy during football season."