Football Recruiting - Midlands Region: Ra'Shaad Samples
Barrett gets offer trifecta, set to visit TTU 
February, 20, 2013
Feb 20
8:43
PM ET
By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
ESPN Watch List offensive tackle Ty Barrett (Dallas/Skyline) still remembers his first offer coming from West Virginia. He’s now up to 13 offers -- including three on Wednesday evening, with two of the three coming in a 20-minute span -- and he’s preparing for a big junior day this weekend.
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Under Armour All-American receiver Ra'Shaad Samples (Dallas/Skyline) has signed with Oklahoma State after flirting with Kentucky in the final month of the recruiting cycle.
Rated the nation's No. 166 prospect in the ESPN 300, Samples visited UK on Jan. 11 before taking his official visit to Stillwater, Okla., the following week, which secured Samples' signature for the Cowboys.
Samples originally committed to OSU on July 7 and never decommitted. Signing Samples is huge for OSU as 5-foot-11, 170-pound slot receiver should be able to make an immediate impact this fall.
What is the impact of Ra'Shaad Samples' decision?
Rated the nation's No. 166 prospect in the ESPN 300, Samples visited UK on Jan. 11 before taking his official visit to Stillwater, Okla., the following week, which secured Samples' signature for the Cowboys.
Samples originally committed to OSU on July 7 and never decommitted. Signing Samples is huge for OSU as 5-foot-11, 170-pound slot receiver should be able to make an immediate impact this fall.
What is the impact of Ra'Shaad Samples' decision?
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Bold Prediction for the Big 12: Kliff Kingsbury saw a lot of success as offensive coordinator at Texas A&M. He’ll see similar success as head coach at Texas Tech.
Baylor
Biggest Need: Offensive linemen to protect the talented skill-position players.
Biggest Recruit: ESPN 150 receiver Robbie Rhodes (Fort Worth, Texas/Southwest) has the tools to be not only a starter but also an all-conference player as a freshman.
Iowa State
Biggest Need: With only one commit at the position, the Cyclones need linebackers.
Biggest Recruit: Four-star offensive tackle Shawn Curtis (Orlando, Fla./Olympia), at 6-foot-6 and 270 pounds, should be a future leader for the Cyclones’ offensive line.
Kansas
Biggest Need: The Jayhawks need a running back or two.
Biggest Recruit: Juco defensive tackle Marquel Combs (Memphis, Tenn./Pierce College) is the No. 3 junior college prospect in the country for a reason. He’s a run-stopper.
Kansas State
Biggest Need: Running back, just like its Sunflower State counterpart.
Biggest Recruit: Linebacker Nick Ramirez (Lee’s Summit, Mo./Lee’s Summit West) is the only four-star commit, but three-star junior college quarterback Jake Waters (Council Bluffs, Iowa/Iowa Western Community College) might be the sleeper of the class.
Oklahoma
Biggest Need: Linebacker is a huge necessity.
Biggest Recruit: If ESPN 150 running back Keith Ford (Cypress, Texas/Cypress Ranch) stays healthy, he could have a promising college career -- which could lead to an NFL opportunity.
Oklahoma State
Biggest Need: The Cowboys need help at quarterback and linebacker.
Biggest Recruit: ESPN 300 receivers Ra’Shaad Samples (Dallas/Skyline) and Marcell Ateman (Wylie, Texas/Wylie East) bring different dynamics but similar results to the football field.
TCU
Biggest Need: Playmaking wide receivers.
Biggest Recruit: ESPN 300 running back Kyle Hicks (Arlington, Texas/Martin) has the potential to be outstanding, but three-star athlete Ty Slanina (East Bernard, Texas/East Bernard) could be stellar at several spots.
Texas
Biggest Need: While Texas is strong on the offensive line, it needs defensive linemen.
Biggest Recruit: ESPN 150 center Darius James (Killeen, Texas/Harker Heights) leads a very talented class of Longhorns offensive linemen.
Texas Tech
Biggest Need: The Red Raiders could use more defensive tackles.
Biggest Recruit: Quarterback Davis Webb (Prosper, Texas/Prosper), an Elite 11 finalist last summer, could be special under the wing of Kliff Kingsbury.
West Virginia
Biggest Need: Players in the secondary.
Biggest Recruit: ESPN 300 inside linebacker Darrien Howard (Dayton, Ohio/Chaminade-Julienne) has the tools to shut down a lot of plays before they even get started.
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Bold Prediction for the Big 12: Kliff Kingsbury saw a lot of success as offensive coordinator at Texas A&M. He’ll see similar success as head coach at Texas Tech.
Baylor
Biggest Need: Offensive linemen to protect the talented skill-position players.
Biggest Recruit: ESPN 150 receiver Robbie Rhodes (Fort Worth, Texas/Southwest) has the tools to be not only a starter but also an all-conference player as a freshman.
Iowa State
Biggest Need: With only one commit at the position, the Cyclones need linebackers.
Biggest Recruit: Four-star offensive tackle Shawn Curtis (Orlando, Fla./Olympia), at 6-foot-6 and 270 pounds, should be a future leader for the Cyclones’ offensive line.
Kansas
Biggest Need: The Jayhawks need a running back or two.
Biggest Recruit: Juco defensive tackle Marquel Combs (Memphis, Tenn./Pierce College) is the No. 3 junior college prospect in the country for a reason. He’s a run-stopper.
Kansas State
Biggest Need: Running back, just like its Sunflower State counterpart.
Biggest Recruit: Linebacker Nick Ramirez (Lee’s Summit, Mo./Lee’s Summit West) is the only four-star commit, but three-star junior college quarterback Jake Waters (Council Bluffs, Iowa/Iowa Western Community College) might be the sleeper of the class.
Oklahoma
Biggest Need: Linebacker is a huge necessity.
Biggest Recruit: If ESPN 150 running back Keith Ford (Cypress, Texas/Cypress Ranch) stays healthy, he could have a promising college career -- which could lead to an NFL opportunity.
Oklahoma State
Biggest Need: The Cowboys need help at quarterback and linebacker.
Biggest Recruit: ESPN 300 receivers Ra’Shaad Samples (Dallas/Skyline) and Marcell Ateman (Wylie, Texas/Wylie East) bring different dynamics but similar results to the football field.
TCU
Biggest Need: Playmaking wide receivers.
Biggest Recruit: ESPN 300 running back Kyle Hicks (Arlington, Texas/Martin) has the potential to be outstanding, but three-star athlete Ty Slanina (East Bernard, Texas/East Bernard) could be stellar at several spots.
Texas
Biggest Need: While Texas is strong on the offensive line, it needs defensive linemen.
Biggest Recruit: ESPN 150 center Darius James (Killeen, Texas/Harker Heights) leads a very talented class of Longhorns offensive linemen.
Texas Tech
Biggest Need: The Red Raiders could use more defensive tackles.
Biggest Recruit: Quarterback Davis Webb (Prosper, Texas/Prosper), an Elite 11 finalist last summer, could be special under the wing of Kliff Kingsbury.
West Virginia
Biggest Need: Players in the secondary.
Biggest Recruit: ESPN 300 inside linebacker Darrien Howard (Dayton, Ohio/Chaminade-Julienne) has the tools to shut down a lot of plays before they even get started.
After a productive weekend visit, ESPN 300 wide receiver Ra’Shaad Samples (Dallas/Skyline) has fans from two schools wondering which way he’s leaning.
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Texans abound in the ESPN 150, ESPN 300
November, 7, 2012
11/07/12
12:38
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By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
In previous years the Lone Star State has held a sizeable chunk of the ESPN player rankings, and the latest ESPN 150 and ESPN 300 lists continue to follow suit. Of the 300 names, 41 play in the Texas high school system.
Ricky Seals-Jones (Sealy, Texas/Sealy) remains the highest-ranked player in the Midlands region. While he fell from No. 10 to No. 13 overall, he was switched from the nation’s top-ranked receiver to the nation’s top-ranked athlete, a position that better suits him because of his multiple hats at Sealy.
Seals-Jones, an uncommitted, four-star player who has narrowed his choices to LSU and Texas A&M, can play quarterback, receiver, safety and on special teams.
Ricky Seals-Jones (Sealy, Texas/Sealy) remains the highest-ranked player in the Midlands region. While he fell from No. 10 to No. 13 overall, he was switched from the nation’s top-ranked receiver to the nation’s top-ranked athlete, a position that better suits him because of his multiple hats at Sealy.
Seals-Jones, an uncommitted, four-star player who has narrowed his choices to LSU and Texas A&M, can play quarterback, receiver, safety and on special teams.
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Skyline players to attend Texas-OU game
October, 11, 2012
10/11/12
12:56
PM ET
By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
Three-star defensive tackle Kerrick Huggins (Dallas/Skyline) said he will attend Saturday’s Texas-Oklahoma battle at the Cotton Bowl. Three-star wide receiver and Skyline teammate Ra’Shaad Samples is expected to join him.
While both athletes are expected to be in attendance, neither one is going with the intent to shake things up in the recruiting world. Huggins, a 6-foot-3, 285-pound tackle, is still a solid commit to Texas A&M. Samples, a 5-11, 170-pound receiver, is still solid with his commitment to Oklahoma State.
“We’re going to see old Skyline players going against each other,” said Huggins, who then followed up with, “Ain’t no switching Gig’Em.”
Huggins and Samples -- and potentially several other current Skyline players -- will be at the Cotton Bowl cheering on Texas receiver Mike Davis and linebacker Peter Jinkens and Oklahoma defensive back Joe Powell and linebackers Corey Nelson and Frank Shannon.
While both athletes are expected to be in attendance, neither one is going with the intent to shake things up in the recruiting world. Huggins, a 6-foot-3, 285-pound tackle, is still a solid commit to Texas A&M. Samples, a 5-11, 170-pound receiver, is still solid with his commitment to Oklahoma State.
“We’re going to see old Skyline players going against each other,” said Huggins, who then followed up with, “Ain’t no switching Gig’Em.”
Huggins and Samples -- and potentially several other current Skyline players -- will be at the Cotton Bowl cheering on Texas receiver Mike Davis and linebacker Peter Jinkens and Oklahoma defensive back Joe Powell and linebackers Corey Nelson and Frank Shannon.
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WR Ra'Shaad Samples can play DB, too
October, 1, 2012
10/01/12
1:38
PM ET
By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
Oklahoma State commit Ra’Shaad Samples (Dallas/Skyline) is considered one of the top wide receivers in Texas. Last Friday was a chance for fans to see Samples’ versatility as he lined up as a defensive back in Skyline’s 56-24 win against Dallas Jesuit.
As a receiver, Samples caught three passes for 116 yards and two touchdowns, one of those a 90-yard play. As a defender, however, Samples was asked to be an extra defensive back in an effort to slow down Jesuit’s passing offense. Samples was on watch when 2014 Texas A&M commit and ESPN Watch List cornerback Cedric Collins left the game because of illness, and he was given the task to defend Jesuit’s Jake Oliver, an ESPN 300 receiver and Texas commit.
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In his words: Ra’Shaad Samples' decision
September, 24, 2012
9/24/12
1:00
PM ET
By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
There was a time not long ago when three-star wide receiver Ra'Shaad Samples (Dallas/Skyline) was considered a lock to commit to the Longhorns.
So much so that other coaches would call him with the understanding that their window likely had closed on appealing to the 5-foot-11, 170-pound slot receiver.
“I was pretty much set on Texas,” Samples said. “I was going to pull the trigger.”
So much so that other coaches would call him with the understanding that their window likely had closed on appealing to the 5-foot-11, 170-pound slot receiver.
“I was pretty much set on Texas,” Samples said. “I was going to pull the trigger.”
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Skyline loaded with FBS-caliber talent
August, 24, 2012
8/24/12
1:15
PM ET
By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
Dallas Skyline has seven players verbally committed to FBS programs. The program has yet to play a down of regular-season football.
Skyline has built a strong reputation for being a program loaded with high-major prospects. This year’s class is continuing the tradition, and the 2014 class got a nice start on Wednesday when cornerback Cedric Collins gave Texas A&M his verbal pledge over offers from Nebraska, Baylor, TCU, Oklahoma, Notre Dame and a host of other programs.
Four-star quarterback and Elite 11 finalist DeVante Kincade and three-star receiver and The Opening participant Ra’Shaad Samples lead the recruiting trail, verbally committing to Ole Miss and Oklahoma State, respectively. Linebacker Roderick Moore jumped at his first offer and committed to SMU in May. Defensive tackle Kerrick Huggins (Texas A&M), cornerback Will Barrow (Texas Tech) and linebacker Isaiah Williams (Kansas State) -- all three-star players -- also have ended their recruiting processes.
While there are seven Skyline athletes committed, the program realistically could see anywhere from 8-12 additional players from the 2013, 2014 and 2015 classes verbally commit to big-time FBS programs. Some of them may even commit by the end of the season.
Here’s a list of 12 players -- listed in alphabetical order -- to keep an eye on, as Skyline prepares for the 2012 season:
Skyline has built a strong reputation for being a program loaded with high-major prospects. This year’s class is continuing the tradition, and the 2014 class got a nice start on Wednesday when cornerback Cedric Collins gave Texas A&M his verbal pledge over offers from Nebraska, Baylor, TCU, Oklahoma, Notre Dame and a host of other programs.
Four-star quarterback and Elite 11 finalist DeVante Kincade and three-star receiver and The Opening participant Ra’Shaad Samples lead the recruiting trail, verbally committing to Ole Miss and Oklahoma State, respectively. Linebacker Roderick Moore jumped at his first offer and committed to SMU in May. Defensive tackle Kerrick Huggins (Texas A&M), cornerback Will Barrow (Texas Tech) and linebacker Isaiah Williams (Kansas State) -- all three-star players -- also have ended their recruiting processes.
While there are seven Skyline athletes committed, the program realistically could see anywhere from 8-12 additional players from the 2013, 2014 and 2015 classes verbally commit to big-time FBS programs. Some of them may even commit by the end of the season.
Here’s a list of 12 players -- listed in alphabetical order -- to keep an eye on, as Skyline prepares for the 2012 season:
- 2014 Ty Barrett: He’s 6-foot-5, 300 pounds, light on his feet and a load on the offensive line. Barrett currently has offers from Ole Miss, West Virginia and Texas Tech, and he’s got interest from Alabama, LSU, Texas and Texas A&M.
- 2014 DB Derrick Dixon: Dixon is one of those players who really can lay the hat on unsuspecting receivers. At 5-11 and 180, he has good size for a safety, and he’s only expected to get better. Dixon already holds an offer from West Virginia.
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If Ricky Seals-Jones doesn’t opt to re-commit to Texas, what options do the Longhorns still have?
One is Ra'Shaad Samples (Dallas/Skyline). The three-star receiver considers Texas one of his six leaders, along with Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, Ohio State and USC.
There has been considerable speculation, though, that Samples’ offer from Texas had expired and that UT would no longer accept his pledge.
One is Ra'Shaad Samples (Dallas/Skyline). The three-star receiver considers Texas one of his six leaders, along with Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, Ohio State and USC.
There has been considerable speculation, though, that Samples’ offer from Texas had expired and that UT would no longer accept his pledge.
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With one tweet, the race to acquire Under Armour All-American wide receiver Ra’Shaad Samples (Dallas/Skyline) has reached a new level.
Samples tweeted on Thursday that he has narrowed his 33 offers to six schools – Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, Ohio State and USC. He added in the tweet that the list is in no specific order of importance.
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Ra'Shaad Samples gets The Opening invite
March, 26, 2012
3/26/12
11:15
PM ET
By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
ESPNU 150 Watch List wide receiver Ra’Shaad Samples (Dallas/Skyline) is expected to miss as many as four months after fracturing his left fibula during Sunday’s Nike Football Training Camp in Irving, Texas. If rehabilitation goes in his favor, he could be back on the football field and competing in three months.
That would be just enough time for him to make his return in Beaverton, Ore. Samples was invited to participate in The Opening, a four-day training and competition event that will feature the nation’s top 150 players at the Nike headquarters. The event will take place July 5-8.
“I’m just thanking God,” said Samples, who is wearing a hard cast on his left leg. “It’s an honor, and I plan on balling. I get another chance to show why I’m the best wide receiver in the state.”
That would be just enough time for him to make his return in Beaverton, Ore. Samples was invited to participate in The Opening, a four-day training and competition event that will feature the nation’s top 150 players at the Nike headquarters. The event will take place July 5-8.
“I’m just thanking God,” said Samples, who is wearing a hard cast on his left leg. “It’s an honor, and I plan on balling. I get another chance to show why I’m the best wide receiver in the state.”
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Jake Oliver and Durham Smythe have seen the future, and they can’t help but get excited.
The Dallas Jesuit receiver and Belton tight end competed at the Nike Football Training Camp in Irving, Texas, on Sunday along with five other Longhorns pledges.
Both had impressive days, and Oliver earned a spot at The Opening in Oregon later this summer, and both said the exact same thing when they departed Valley Ranch: They can’t wait to play with Tyrone Swoopes.
The Dallas Jesuit receiver and Belton tight end competed at the Nike Football Training Camp in Irving, Texas, on Sunday along with five other Longhorns pledges.
Both had impressive days, and Oliver earned a spot at The Opening in Oregon later this summer, and both said the exact same thing when they departed Valley Ranch: They can’t wait to play with Tyrone Swoopes.
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Dallas Skyline ESPNU Watch List wide receiver Ra'Shaad Samples said Monday that he suffered a small fracture in his left fibula during a one-on-one drill at Sunday’s Nike Football Training Camp at the Dallas Cowboys practice facility in Irving, Texas.
Samples, a 2013 Under Armour All-American, said doctors found a small break and a stretch of his tibia but found no ligament damage. He is expected to miss 3-4 months, but took consolation in the fact his ligaments were in good shape. Ligament damage could have put him out for an extended period and was speculated to jeopardize a portion of his senior year.
“I’m doing all right,” Samples said. “I left the doctor’s office with a cast on. I won’t have to get a plate or anything. I plan to start rehab in about four or five weeks.”
Samples, a 2013 Under Armour All-American, said doctors found a small break and a stretch of his tibia but found no ligament damage. He is expected to miss 3-4 months, but took consolation in the fact his ligaments were in good shape. Ligament damage could have put him out for an extended period and was speculated to jeopardize a portion of his senior year.
“I’m doing all right,” Samples said. “I left the doctor’s office with a cast on. I won’t have to get a plate or anything. I plan to start rehab in about four or five weeks.”
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Ra'Shaad Samples now with 30-plus offers
March, 23, 2012
3/23/12
12:39
AM ET
By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
ESPNU 150 Watch List wide receiver Ra'Shaad Samples (Dallas/Skyline) never thought he’d be one of those players who would balance dozens of offers. All he wanted was a few offers and the chance to participate in an elite all-star game.
As March approaches its final week, Samples not only is entertaining more than 30 offers – his latest being USC on Thursday – but also is still on a high after receiving and accepting the invitation to play in the 2013 Under Armour All-American Game.
“It’s crazy, man. That’s all I can say,” Samples said. “It’s a blessing. It’s getting crazy, but I’m still working hard over here.”
As March approaches its final week, Samples not only is entertaining more than 30 offers – his latest being USC on Thursday – but also is still on a high after receiving and accepting the invitation to play in the 2013 Under Armour All-American Game.
“It’s crazy, man. That’s all I can say,” Samples said. “It’s a blessing. It’s getting crazy, but I’m still working hard over here.”
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RECRUITING NATION MIDLANDS COVERAGE
The Midlands Region consists of the states of Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota and
Texas and is where Big 12 programs make a living recruiting. However, with the deep talent pool in the Lone Star State, teams from all over the country flock to the Midlands to find players.
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• West Region blog
MIDLANDS RECRUITING CONTRIBUTORS
Sam KhanESPN Archive |
Max OlsonESPN Archive |
Bob PrzybyloESPN Archive |
Damon SaylesESPN Archive |
Mitch ShermanESPN Archive |
William WilkersonESPN Archive |
