Bearden High Star DeMonte Simpson Ready to Call FAU Home

Talented Big Man Adds Needed Size, Skill & Depth

The upcoming season’s roster just got notably bigger, better, and stronger with the verbal commitment of DeMonte “D-Simp” Simpson, a true 6′-9″, 260LB power forward out of Bearden High School in Knoxville, Tennessee. Simpson said he will join the team for the 2009-10 season and confirmed that he will sign an official letter of intent this Wednesday when contacted Monday afternoon. It’s obvious that Owl’s Head Coach Mike Jarvis continues to pluck big time winners for existing roster vacancies, as Bearden was the Class 3A Champion this season. Simpson, who visited the FAU campus with American Heritage FAU signee Ray Taylor, while being hosted by Owl’s center Justin Davis and others, was impressed with Coach Jarvis: “Really family oriented. I think he will get the team to the next level. Want to be a part of the process. It feels comfortable.” He will enroll for the fall with a major in Sports Management. According to Bearden Head Coach Mark Blevins, FAU has been recruiting the 3A All District forward diligently for the past year. This, coupled with the strong support he received from his mother, who is a big influence in his life, was pivotal in his decision. During his visit over Easter weekend, the two were in close contact with Coach Blevins, offering updates on the progress of the visit. It went very well. Scheduled for an official visit to the University of Alabama-Birmingham this week, but having already found his place with FAU, he cancelled the trip. Simpson also received scholarship offers to play for Auburn, and Virginia Tech, which he walked away from. Additionally, he received solid interest from Minnesota, Chattanooga, and the College of Charleston. “His strengths are rebounding, scoring around the basket, and he has a nice mid range jumper. He’s a big body. If he puts his nose to the grindstone, he’ll contribute immediately”, said Blevins. Blevins also added that Simpson has played against upper echelon talent his entire high school career; most notably matching South Florida Monsignor Pace’s, and four-star University of Louisville signee, Rakeem Buckles toe to toe during their on court meeting. Bearden employed a platoon system based on the overall team talent they had this year to be respectful of opposing teams and to avoid running up the score. During his junior year, Simpson averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds per game. Last season he posted 8 points and 6 rebounds, but given the platoon, only played 10 minutes per contest on average – which is under 1/3 of total game time played at the high school level. Simpson comes in having been ranked as high as the 9th prospect statewide in Tennessee by local recruiting analysts and rates as a three-star prospect according to the rivals.com recruiting network. Given what he brings to the table, he should flourish under Jarvis, who has a track record of developing players into their fullest potential. Along side Owl’s big men Brett Royster, and Justin Davis, his playing time will likely be split at both center and power forward. In his spare time, while not hitting the books or playing basketball, Simpson said he enjoys listening to music.