OVERVIEW
Versatile athlete who not only competed as a split end, but also handled rushing, kickoff return and punt-return chores during his three seasons with the varsity … Named the team's Most Dependable Receiver during the 2002 campaign, the older brother of FSU quarterback Lorne Sam started 13 of 35 games at split end during his career, hauling in 76 passes for 1,066 yards (14.0 avg) and seven touchdowns … Added 74 yards on four kickoff returns (18.5 avg), 30 yards on six punt returns (5.0 avg), 7 yards on three carries (2.3 avg) and a solo tackle on special teams.
ANALYSIS
Positives: Has a well-defined body with good muscle mass, tight abs, thick thighs and calves and long arms … Shows quickness out of his stance and does a nice job of scanning the field, knowing where his blockers and outlines are before returning the ball … Has a sudden burst out of his cuts and the ability to separate … Adequate deep threat who seems to catch the ball better on long routes (does a good job making over-the-shoulder grabs) … Shows crispness in his routes and has the leg drive needed to break tackles … Once he catches the ball, he has the power to run over and the hip swerve to elude … Steady acceleration in his stride … Knows how to come back for the underneath tosses and make adjustments to get to balls thrown behind him … Quick to turn upfield after the catch, showing the balance and effort to gain additional yardage … Has the vision to elude and make things happen once he finds the crease and gets through it.
Negatives: Needs to do a better job extending for the ball, especially when asked to catch in a crowd (tends to alligator-arm it — keeping his arms too close to his body rather than reaching and plucking the ball at its high point) … Despite his size, he needs room to operate, as he struggles to get off the snap vs. the more physical cornerbacks (has problems escaping the jam) … Better catching on long routes; he cradle-catches and drops the easy ones when he hears footsteps (when the defender is closing on him) … Another reason he seems to struggle catching the short balls is he does not have adequate hands (velocity of the pass gives him trouble) … Struggles to get to the poorly thrown ball … Has quickness off the snap, but dances a little bit, taking away some of his acceleration … His ability (or willingness) to jump for the high passes is still in question … Could have benefited from another year of learning his craft at the collegiate level.
AGILITY TESTS
4.52 in the 40-yard dash … 36-inch vertical jump.
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Buford (Ga.) High, earning all-state Class A first-team honors and named the conference and county player of the year his senior season … Super Southern selection by the Atlanta Journal Constitution, named to the All-Southern team by the Orlando Sentinel, to Max Emfinger's national Nifty 150 and was a member of the Super 75 by the Florida Times Union … Standout receiver, free safety and punter during his career … Caught 39 passes for 1,067 yards (27.4 avg) and seven touchdowns his senior season … Also added two rushing touchdowns and two on kickoff returns for 13 total touchdowns during his senior season … Recorded 91 total tackles and five interceptions from his free safety position and averaged 35.2 yards per punt as a senior … Led the football team to a 13-2 record and a state runner-up finish as a junior … Standout track performer who won state titles in the 110- and 300-meter hurdle events his senior season … Also played basketball.
PERSONAL
Political science major … Older brother and teammate of Florida State quarterback Lorne Sam … Born Dec. 26, 1983 … Resides in Buford, Ga.