Future Husky: James Sample

Height– 6’2

Weight– 195

Position– Safety

HS Stats– Sample was a very productive tackler his senior year at Grant High School in Sacramento, CA. He had 109 tackles, 1 forced fumble, a sack, and 3 recovered fumbles according to Maxpreps.com.

Style of Play– He has an active pursuit of the ball with a very physical presence at the safety position. He loves to hit and usually hits hard and yet still records the tackle. He plays like a linebacker at the safety position and any tape on him will show this fact.

Strengths– He has plenty of range and his speed is impressive, he has strong football instincts and ball pursuit. His acceleration to the ball and closing speed when making the tackle is quite impressive.  However, his biggest strength is; his hard yet effective tackles.

Weaknesses– He needs to work on his coverage. He hasn’t played enough man-on-man to be able to guard much in man-to-man schemes. He plays best as a roaming center-field type safety. He needs to work on his change of direction, when he does over-pursue he struggles to change direction and get back into the play.

Potential– He is rated as a 4 star prospect and could easily play linebacker or safety in college. He has the potential to be special if he is willing to be coachable and keep working hard.

Projected Usage- He needs at least one year before he is ready to go, just because it would help to bulk up if they do decide to use him as a linebacker. If he stays at a safety, he needs to work on his coverage ability and could use some time to develop a little more at the position. You will probably see him more as a sophomore or junior.