COLUMBIA – John Simpson can finally focus on himself.

The four-star offensive lineman won a state championship on Saturday, the first football state title in Fort Dorchester history.

Now that the Patriots are 15-0, it’s time for Simpson to get to business.

“The top three that stand out are Florida, LSU and Clemson,” he told reporters on the field at Williams-Brice Stadium.

“I’m opening the recruiting now that it’s the end of the season. It’s full on recruiting now, but I’m just trying to make up my mind throughout the time.”

South Carolina is still in the mix too.

“Coach (Shawn) Elliott from Carolina, he’s amazing. He’s staying contact,” Simpson said. “At first, he didn’t know where he was going to be, now he’s going to be here. As long as they keep recruiting me, I’m wide open.”

Clemson assistants Robbie Caldwell and Danny Pearman used the state championship games at Williams-Brice as their stop to see Simpson.

Simpson took an official visit to LSU in the fall. He hasn’t scheduled any others.

“I’m going to try to take as much as possible,” he said.

On Sunday, Simpson will head to Spartanburg for the Shrine Bowl. In the meantime, he’ll start thinking about where home will be next year.

“I just want it to be like a family. I want them to treat me like my team treats me here,” he said. “When I first came here, it wasn’t easy. I got yelled at everyday…but I had the coaches behind me, yelling at me. After practice, he’s like my best friend. That’s what I’m looking. I want someone that can push me to be the best that I can be.”

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