Amier Clarke Commits to Georgia Tech: Jess Simpson Key in Decision
After making his rounds with official visits and meeting several defensive line coaches, Amier Clarke found one coach who clearly stood out — Georgia Tech’s Jess Simpson. On Thursday, the Kissimmee (Fla.) Osceola defensive lineman announced his commitment to the Yellow Jackets, pointing directly to Simpson as the difference-maker.
Why Georgia Tech? It All Came Down to Simpson
“To be honest, it was really Jess Simpson,” Clarke said. “Out of all the schools I visited, I believe he’s the best coach to develop me into the player I want to be. He’s done it with plenty of guys.”
Clarke emphasized that Simpson’s belief in his potential and the personal connection they built made the choice easy. “He believes in me. He sees something in me — and that matters,” Clarke said.
While defensive coordinator Blake Gideon and head coach Brent Key also left strong impressions, Simpson’s blend of coaching expertise, personality, and genuine care for his players tipped the scales in Georgia Tech’s favor.
NFL Track Record and Personal Touch
Simpson’s previous success in developing talent, including NFL Draft picks DeWayne Carter and Aeneas Peebles during his time at Duke, caught Clarke’s eye. But the relationship went beyond a résumé.
“He’s a great guy. Funny, a family man. He really looks out for his players,” Clarke said.
What Clarke Had to Say About Georgia Tech
“I know it’s a strong football program, and at the same time, I’m getting a great education,” he said, reinforcing that the choice was as much about academics as athletics.
Finalists and Visits
Clarke picked Georgia Tech over a final four that included Boston College, Rutgers, and Syracuse. He officially visited each program, starting with Georgia Tech from May 30 to June 1. Though he followed up with trips to the other three schools over the next three weekends, none could match the connection he felt in Atlanta — especially with Simpson.
Recruiting Rankings
Clarke holds an 86 rating from 247Sports, ranking him No. 129 among defensive linemen nationally and No. 138 overall in Florida. On the 247Sports Composite, he’s listed as the No. 133 defensive lineman and No. 145 player in the state.
How Clarke Fits at Georgia Tech
Clarke becomes the third defensive lineman in Georgia Tech’s 2025 class, joining edge rusher Chris Carbin (Hillgrove, Ga.), Alex Willis (Orlando, Fla.), and Freddie Wilson (Port Orange, Fla.). The Yellow Jackets’ 21-member class leans heavily on regional talent, with 14 players from Georgia, six from Florida, and one from Alabama.
Georgia Tech’s class currently ranks 39th nationally and 11th in the ACC. Clarke adds another key piece to a group that continues to build on strong regional ties and high-upside talent.
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