Family ties a big reason two HC football stars pick the Kentucky Wildcats

Another signing day has come and gone. Eight HC athletes have signed to play their sports at the collegiate level. Two Blue Devils in particular had interesting ties to their college choice; varsity football members, Elijah Barnett and Sully Simpson, signed on to play at the University of Kentucky, where their fathers played before them.

Barnett, a defensive lineman at HC, lettered three times during his high school career. His father, Oliver Barnett, played at UK in the 80’s, garnering 24.0 career sacks, still a UK record today.
“I can imagine people comparing us,” Barnett said. “But it’s great to have the family continuation at UK and it’s pretty neat,”
Simpson, an offensive center, lettered four years at HC, starting for three. His father Sam Simpson, head coach at HC, played linebacker during his days as a Wildcat. His brother Samuel played center several years ago at UK as well, cementing the family legacy that Sully will continue.

“My dad was very open and wanted me to choose my best fit,” Simpson said. “He just made me feel good about UK, and it’ll feel good being the third Simpson to run out into commonwealth; it’s something special.”

The Wildcats, believed by many to be a rising football power, have made recruiting in-state talent a high priority, and the two will be preferred walk-ons for the team. If they perform well enough as freshmen, it is possible they will be able to gain a scholarship their sophomore year.

“If I get lucky, I’ll get one my sophomore season,” Barnett said. “It’ll take working hard, academically speaking, and going 100% every day on the practice field,”

Simpson and Barnett will have similar roles their freshman year, most likely spending time on the practice team/scout team. For a typical player, one may not be happy with that role, but the two are taking it with pride.

“I’ll be a scout team offensive lineman and should hopefully see some time on the field as a PAT-snapper,” Simpson said.

“I’m a defensive end right now, but I’d be willing to play a position like Bud Dupree played, a hybrid linebacker, if I’m needed to,” Barnett said. “I’ll probably be on the practice squad getting used to the campus and trying to get bigger.”

Both students had a common interest in UK, as it is close to home, allowing for their families to attend games and really be a part of the experience with them.

“It’s close to home and I’m comfortable there,” Barnett said. “Some other schools gave me offers, but I wanted the higher level of competition and have the opportunity to earn a scholarship later on.”

“It is home,” Simpson stated. “It’s where my family has played, and I liked Coach Schlarman (offensive line coach) a lot and I just felt at home.”