Texas in contention for Towson grad transfer RB Shane Simpson

The Texas Longhorns could add another versatile, dynamic offensive weapon on Sunday when Towson Tigers graduate transfer running back Shane Simpson announced his decision between the Longhorns and the Virginia Cavaliers.

The decision will cap a whirlwind stretch for the 5’11, 205-pounder — he entered the NCAA transfer portal on Thursday after the Colonial Athletic Association announced that it will not play football this fall. Simpson quickly narrowed his list to two after receiving interest from programs like Duke, Florida State, Northwestern, Penn State, Texas, and Wake Forest.

A sixth-year senior who only played three games in 2019, Simpson’s appeal is not just his experience, its his versatility. During a consensus All-American season in 2018, Simpson went over 2,000 all-purpose yards, scoring 12 total touchdowns while racking up 711 rushing yards, 356 receiving yards, 887 kick return yards. and 104 punt return yards.

So if Simpson chooses the Longhorns, he could make a difference as a running back, receiver, and return man. Texas has two players with similar versatility — sophomore wide receiver Jake Smith and redshirt freshman wide receiver Jordan Whittington — but neither boasts the extensive experience of Simpson.

Head coach Tom Herman has two available scholarships and also remains in pursuit of Arizona graduate transfer linebacker Tony Fields II.