Matthew Sams '18 Recruiting Profile

    Earning the chance to attend an internationally known and respected university with a nationally ranked business program is a big priority for me. I would like to attend a university that consistently produces a winning and respected football program. I need to feel confident that the school I choose will be a place where my hard work, talent and knowledge of the game will allow me to eventually earn a starting position as a defensive back and where I can make an positive impact as a high performing student, leader and player.

    I have an unweighted 4.00 GPA (101.61 GPA on a 100 scale) at a nationally ranked academic-focused high school. Many of my high school courses thus far have been either AP or Pre-AP level classes. I have high expectations for how I perform in the classroom because I know that my academic results and successes are what will ultimately deliver the life results I seek. I am a student athlete; my coach can always count on me to be academically eligible and to serve as a positive role model to my teammates in and out of the classroom. In addition to my strong academic capability, I have a very high football IQ that allows me to minimize mental mistakes on the field and anticipate my opponent’s actions to make difference-making plays for my team. I have a reputation for having my best performances in the big games against the top competition.

    As a senior football player, I have started each of our games this season at safety (rover) and as our punt returner. We are 7-0 and recently defeated the defending state champion Lake Travis Cavaliers. Thus far, I have recored 31 tackles, 2 interceptions, 3 pass deflections and 1 hurry. We are ranked #4 in the state of Texas and #31 nationally. During the 2016 season, I started all 14 games at safety (rover) or at cornerback. I also started on the kick off, kick return and punt return teams. My team advanced to the Texas 6A-D1 state quarterfinals before ultimately being eliminated. I recorded 70 tackles, 5 pass deflections and 1 interception. I was named 1st team all district as a DB and was also selected to the all district academic team. During the 2015 season, I was one of only three sophomores to earn a spot on the varsity squad for the entire season at Westlake High School. My team was a finalist in the 2015 Texas 6A-D1 State Championship Game where I recovered a blocked punt and returned the ball for a 41-yard TD. By the end of the regular season, I started on all special teams and in the nickel package at safety. My primary position was strong safety where I served as the backup to a multi-year senior starter who is playing D-1 football at Harvard. I played in all 16 games that year, earned a significant amount of planning time, and improved greatly over the course of the season. I was also the back-up long snapper and the back-up punt returner. In addition to the above, I had 26 tackles for the season, two fumble recoveries, one sack and one interception for a TD.

    This offseason, I focused on my speed, flexibility, strength and football acumen. My coaches and I have seen a marked improvement in all aspects of my athleticism and football capabilities. I am an exceptionally hard worker, highly motivated and push to get better everyday. I guarantee that I will make your football program better on and off of the field.